Tanzania vs Sweden
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Tanzania is 6.4 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 7.7 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 2.1 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 16.3 years higher than Tanzania's 67.0 years.
TanzaniaSweden| Population | +542.6%68.2M | -84.4%10.6M |
| Area | +110.4%947,303 km² | -52.5%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -86.9%$78.8B | +665.7%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.9%$1,186.717 | +4713.1%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -19.6%67.0 yrs | +24.4%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1395.0%29.9 | -93.3%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -81.9%1.6% | +453.1%8.7% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Swedish |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 6.4 times more populous than Sweden, with 68.2M residents compared to 10.6M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 7.7 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 48.1 times wealthier than those in Tanzania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 16.3 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Tanzania's infant mortality is 1395% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Tanzania lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Tanzania is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Tanzania's $1,186.717 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sweden is in infant mortality: Tanzania's 29.9 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Sweden is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania'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 48.1x that of Tanzania ($1,186.717). 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
Tanzania is 3.1x more densely populated than Sweden (72 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 16.3 years longer than those of Tanzania (83.3 vs 67.0 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
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 29.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania 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.
Tanzania vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 48.1x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tanzania can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Tanzania'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, Tanzania or Sweden by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Tanzania is 6.4 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Tanzania's $78.8B. Sweden's economy is 7.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Tanzania's 67.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.3 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 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, Tanzania or Sweden?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Tanzania is 2.1 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Sweden?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Tanzania's 3.1%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Tanzania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 29.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Tanzania offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Tanzania or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value...
Is Tanzania or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Tanzania may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Tanzania or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 48.1x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantl...
Is Tanzania or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Tanzania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...