Guatemala vs Jordan
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 1.2 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 5.2 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaJordan| Population | +54.1%18.1M | -35.1%11.7M |
| Area | +21.9%108,889 km² | -18.0%89,342 km² |
| GDP | +112.2%$113.2B | -52.9%$53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +33.2%$6,150.026 | -24.9%$4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.7%72.6 yrs | +7.2%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +46.7%17.9 | -31.8%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -84.3%2.6% | +535.0%16.5% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Amman |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Arabic |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | JOD (د.ا) |
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
Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Jordan, with 18.1M residents compared to 11.7M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 2.1 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Jordan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 5.2 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 47% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Jordan is located in Asia. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Jordan belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Jordan is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Jordan's $53.4B represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Jordan is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Jordan is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 32% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.3x that of Jordan ($4,618.096). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.3x more densely populated than Jordan (166 vs 131 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jordan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Jordan live an average of 5.2 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.8 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Jordan's 2.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Jordan for Budget Travelers
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Jordan Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Jordan can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan'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, Guatemala or Jordan by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Guatemala is 1.5 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Jordan?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Guatemala's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Jordan?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Guatemala is 1.2 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Jordan?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Jordan?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Jordan's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Guatemala or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Guatemala or Jordan cheaper to visit?
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better val...
Is Guatemala or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Guatemala or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Guatemala or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...