TurkeyGuatemala
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Turkey is 4.7 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 12.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 7.2 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 4.6 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
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Guatemala wins
Metric
TurkeyGuatemala| Population | 85.7M | 18.1M |
| Area | 783,562 km² | 108,889 km² |
| GDP | $1.36T | $113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $15,892.716 | $6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.2 yrs | 72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 9.1 | 17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.5% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Ankara | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Turkish | Spanish |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | GTQ (Q) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Turkey is 4.7 times more populous than Guatemala, with 85.7M residents compared to 18.1M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 12.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Turkey are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 4.6 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 97% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 7.2 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Turkey lies in Europe and Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Guatemala is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Guatemala is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Guatemala is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 2.6x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.5x more densely populated than Turkey (166 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 4.6 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.2 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Guatemala for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone 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, Turkey or Guatemala by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Turkey is 4.7 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Guatemala?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Turkey's economy is 12.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Guatemala?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.6 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Guatemala?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Turkey is 7.2 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Guatemala?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better val...
Is Turkey or Guatemala better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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 Turkey or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Turkey or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...
Population Growth
Turkey, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Guatemala, 1994 to 2023