Russia vs Guatemala
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Russia is 8.1 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 19.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 157.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 0.7 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
RussiaGuatemala| Population | +707.7%146.0M | -87.6%18.1M |
| Area | +15602.5%17,098,246 km² | -99.4%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +1820.4%$2.17T | -94.8%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +142.1%$14,889.019 | -58.7%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.9%73.3 yrs | -0.9%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -79.3%3.7 | +383.8%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -18.1%2.1% | +22.1%2.6% |
| Capital | Moscow | Guatemala City |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Russian | Spanish |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | 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
Russia is 8.1 times more populous than Guatemala, with 146.0M residents compared to 18.1M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 19.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Russia are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 0.7 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 384% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 157.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Russia lies in Europe and Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Guatemala is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Guatemala is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Guatemala is in population: Russia's 146.0M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 2.4x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 19.4x more densely populated than Russia (166 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Guatemala (73.3 vs 72.6 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Guatemala for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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.
Russia vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala'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, Russia or Guatemala by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Russia is 8.1 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Guatemala?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Russia's economy is 19.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Guatemala?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above 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, Russia or Guatemala?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Russia is 157.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Guatemala?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Russia or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Russia or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better val...
Is Russia or Guatemala better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 Russia or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Russia or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...