Spain vs Cuba
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Spain is 5.1 times more populous than Cuba. Spain covers 505,992 km², 4.6 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 5.8 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
SpainCuba| Population | +405.9%49.3M | -80.2%9.7M |
| Area | +360.5%505,992 km² | -78.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +7.4%83.9 yrs | -6.9%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -60.6%2.6 | +153.8%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +494.3%10.4% | -83.2%1.7% |
| Capital | Madrid | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Spain is 5.1 times more populous than Cuba, with 49.3M residents compared to 9.7M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Spain's GDP stands at $1.73T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.8 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 154% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 4.6 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Cuba is located in North America. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Cuba is in population: Spain's 49.3M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Cuba is in land area: Spain's 505,992 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Cuba is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Spain is 1.1x more densely populated than Cuba (97 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 5.8 years longer than those of Cuba (83.9 vs 78.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Cuba for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Spain vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Spain or Cuba by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Spain is 5.1 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Cuba?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.8 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Cuba?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Spain is 4.6 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Cuba?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Spain's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Spain or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries hav...
Is Spain or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in speci...
Is Spain or Cuba better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Spain or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital n...