Portugal vs Cuba
Portugal has a population of 10.7M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Portugal is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 1.2 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 4.2 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
PortugalCuba| Population | +10.3%10.7M | -9.3%9.7M |
| Area | -16.2%92,090 km² | +19.3%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $313.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $29,292.242 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +5.4%82.3 yrs | -5.1%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -60.6%2.6 | +153.8%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +253.0%6.2% | -71.7%1.7% |
| Capital | Lisbon | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Portuguese | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Portugal is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba, with 10.7M residents compared to 9.7M. Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Portugal is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Portugal's GDP stands at $313.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Portugal is 82.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 4.2 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 154% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Portugal shares borders with 1 country, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Portugal spans 2 timezones, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Portugal lies in Europe, while Cuba is located in North America. Portugal is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Portugal and Cuba is in infant mortality: Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Cuba is in land area: Portugal's 92,090 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 16% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Cuba is in population: Portugal's 10.7M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Portugal's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Portugal is 1.3x more densely populated than Cuba (117 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 4.2 years longer than those of Cuba (82.3 vs 78.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Portugal vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Portugal vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Portugal vs Cuba for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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.
Portugal vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Portugal or Cuba by population?
Portugal is larger by population, with 10.7M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Portugal is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Portugal or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Portugal and Cuba?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.2 years. Portugal's life expectancy is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Portugal or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Cuba is 1.2 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Portugal and Cuba?
Portugal recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Portugal or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Portugal's inflation rate is 2.4%.
Is Portugal or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Portugal or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in...
Is Portugal or Cuba better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Portugal or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing dig...