Cuba vs Brazil
Cuba has a population of 9.7M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 21.9 times more populous than Cuba. Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 77.5 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 2.2 years higher than Brazil's 75.8 years.
CubaBrazil| Population | -95.4%9.7M | +2089.4%213.4M |
| Area | -98.7%109,884 km² | +7649.8%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | — | $2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.9%78.1 yrs | -2.9%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.2%6.6 | +89.4%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.8%1.7% | +241.9%6.0% |
| Capital | Havana | Brasília |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | CUC ($), CUP ($) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 21.9 times more populous than Cuba, with 213.4M residents compared to 9.7M. Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cuba is classified as a low-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Brazil's GDP stands at $2.19T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cuba is 78.1 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 2.2 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 89% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 77.5 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Cuba shares borders with 0 countries, while Brazil borders 10 countries. Cuba spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. Cuba lies in North America, while Brazil is located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Caribbean and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cuba and Brazil is in land area: Cuba's 109,884 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and Brazil is in population: Cuba's 9.7M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Cuba and Brazil is in infant mortality: Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 compared to Brazil's 12.5 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cuba's low-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.5x more densely populated than Brazil (89 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of Brazil (78.1 vs 75.8 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Cuba vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cuba vs Brazil for Budget Travelers
Cuba is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cuba can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cuba vs Brazil for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil 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.
Cuba vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cuba and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cuba spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. 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, Cuba or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Brazil is 21.9 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cuba or Brazil?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Cuba and Brazil?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Brazil's 75.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Cuba's life expectancy is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cuba or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Brazil is 77.5 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Cuba and Brazil?
Cuba recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cuba or Brazil?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Brazil's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is Cuba or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Cuba or Brazil cheaper to visit?
Cuba is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cuba can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Brazil. However, Brazil may offer better value in sp...
Is Cuba or Brazil better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Cuba or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cuba and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cuba spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...