IranGuatemala
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Iran is 4.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 4.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 15.1 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 5.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
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Guatemala wins
Metric
IranGuatemala| Population | 86.0M | 18.1M |
| Area | 1,648,195 km² | 108,889 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | $113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | $6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.7 | 17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Tehran | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Spanish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 4.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 86.0M residents compared to 18.1M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 4.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below 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 Guatemala are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 5.1 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 67% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 15.1 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Guatemala is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Guatemala is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Guatemala is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.2x that of Iran ($5,190.17). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 3.2x more densely populated than Iran (166 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 5.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.7 vs 72.6 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Guatemala for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Iran vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Iran'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, Iran or Guatemala by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Iran is 4.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Guatemala?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Iran's economy is 4.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Guatemala?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.1 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Guatemala?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Iran is 15.1 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Guatemala?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 countri...
Is Iran or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in...
Is Iran or Guatemala better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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, climat...
Is Iran or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iran or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...