Spain vs Dominican Republic
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Spain is 4.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 13.9 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 10.4 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 10.2 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
SpainDominican Republic| Population | +357.8%49.3M | -78.2%10.8M |
| Area | +939.6%505,992 km² | -90.4%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +1288.5%$1.73T | -92.8%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +224.8%$35,326.768 | -69.2%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.8%83.9 yrs | -12.1%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -90.8%2.6 | +992.3%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +103.8%10.4% | -50.9%5.1% |
| Capital | Madrid | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | DOP ($) |
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 4.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 49.3M residents compared to 10.8M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 13.9 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 10.2 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 992% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 10.4 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Dominican Republic is in land area: Spain's 505,992 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 2.3x more densely populated than Spain (221 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 10.2 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (83.9 vs 73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Spain's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. 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 Dominican Republic by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Spain is 4.6 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Dominican Republic?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Spain's economy is 13.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Dominican Republic?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.2 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Dominican Republic?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Spain is 10.4 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Dominican Republic?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Dominican Republic?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Spain's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Spain or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Spain or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may...
Is Spain or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Spain or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Spain or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attract...