Papua New Guinea vs Sweden
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 19.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea covers 462,840 km², 1.0 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 17.2 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaSweden| Population | +11.1%11.8M | -10.0%10.6M |
| Area | +2.8%462,840 km² | -2.7%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -94.7%$31.8B | +1798.4%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -94.7%$3,006.706 | +1799.7%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.6%66.1 yrs | +26.0%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1500.0%32.0 | -93.8%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.4%2.6% | +238.2%8.7% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Stockholm |
| Region | Oceania | Europe |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Swedish |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | 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
Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden, with 11.8M residents compared to 10.6M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 19.0 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. 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 19.0 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 17.2 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 1500% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Sweden is located in Europe. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Papua New Guinea's $3,006.706 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Sweden is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Sweden is in infant mortality: Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea's lower-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 19.0x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). 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
Papua New Guinea is 1.1x more densely populated than Sweden (25 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 17.2 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (83.3 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 19.0x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Papua New Guinea or Sweden by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Papua New Guinea is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Sweden's economy is 19.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.2 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, Papua New Guinea or Sweden?
Papua New Guinea is larger by land area, covering 462,840 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Sweden?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Sweden?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Papua New Guinea or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is Papua New Guinea or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may of...
Is Papua New Guinea or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Papua New Guinea or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 19.0x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living var...
Is Papua New Guinea or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive f...