ItalyCuba
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Italy is 6.0 times more populous than Cuba. Italy covers 301,336 km², 2.7 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 5.6 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
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Metric
ItalyCuba| Population | 58.9M | 9.7M |
| Area | 301,336 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $2.38T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $40,385.341 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 83.7 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.4% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Rome | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Italy is 6.0 times more populous than Cuba, with 58.9M residents compared to 9.7M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Italy's GDP stands at $2.38T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.6 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 187% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Cuba is located in North America. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Cuba is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Cuba is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Cuba is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Italy is 2.2x more densely populated than Cuba (196 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 5.6 years longer than those of Cuba (83.7 vs 78.1 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
Italy's economy grew at 0.7% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Cuba for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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.
Italy vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. 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, Italy or Cuba by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Italy is 6.0 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Cuba?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.6 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Cuba?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Italy is 2.7 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Cuba?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Italy's inflation rate is 1.0%.
Is Italy or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries hav...
Is Italy or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in speci...
Is Italy or Cuba better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Italy or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...
Population Growth
Italy, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023