Iran vs Sweden
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Iran is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 3.7 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 5.7 years higher than Iran's 77.7 years.
IranSweden| Population | +710.6%86.0M | -87.7%10.6M |
| Area | +266.0%1,648,195 km² | -72.7%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -21.3%$475.3B | +27.0%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -90.9%$5,190.17 | +1000.5%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.8%77.7 yrs | +7.3%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +435.0%10.7 | -81.3%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -4.5%8.3% | +4.7%8.7% |
| Capital | Tehran | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Swedish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | SEK (kr) |
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
Iran is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden, with 86.0M residents compared to 10.6M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.3 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 11.0 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 5.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iran's infant mortality is 435% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Sweden is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Sweden is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 11.0x that of Iran ($5,190.17). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.2x more densely populated than Sweden (52 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 5.7 years longer than those of Iran (83.3 vs 77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran 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.
Iran vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Iran vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Iran'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, Iran or Sweden by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Iran is 8.1 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Iran's $475.3B. Sweden's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Iran's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.7 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Sweden?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Iran is 3.7 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Sweden?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Iran or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in speci...
Is Iran or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Iran or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 11.0x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Iran or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...