Ivory Coast vs Guatemala
Ivory Coast has a population of 31.7M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast covers 322,463 km², 3.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 10.7 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
Ivory CoastGuatemala| Population | +75.4%31.7M | -43.0%18.1M |
| Area | +196.1%322,463 km² | -66.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | -23.0%$87.1B | +29.9%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -55.6%$2,727.894 | +125.4%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -14.7%61.9 yrs | +17.2%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +160.3%46.6 | -61.6%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -10.8%2.3% | +12.1%2.6% |
| Capital | Yamoussoukro | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | Spanish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 31.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 1.3 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ivory Coast is 61.9 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 10.7 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 160% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Ivory Coast (322,463 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Ivory Coast shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Ivory Coast lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. Ivory Coast is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Guatemala is in land area: Ivory Coast's 322,463 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Ivory Coast and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ivory Coast's lower-middle-income economy and Guatemala'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 2.3x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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 1.7x more densely populated than Ivory Coast (166 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 10.7 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (72.6 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ivory Coast vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ivory Coast vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Ivory Coast vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Ivory Coast'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, Ivory Coast or Guatemala by population?
Ivory Coast is larger by population, with 31.7M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Ivory Coast is 1.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ivory Coast or Guatemala?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Guatemala's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ivory Coast and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.7 years. Ivory Coast's life expectancy is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ivory Coast or Guatemala?
Ivory Coast is larger by land area, covering 322,463 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Ivory Coast is 3.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Ivory Coast and Guatemala?
Ivory Coast recognizes the following official language: French. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ivory Coast or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Ivory Coast or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fri...
Is Ivory Coast or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer ...
Is Ivory Coast or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Ivory Coast or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Ivory Coast or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ivory Coast and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ivory Coast spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...