Peru vs Somalia
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 24.2 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.0 times larger than Somalia's 637,657 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 18.9 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
PeruSomalia| Population | +74.8%34.4M | -42.8%19.7M |
| Area | +101.6%1,285,216 km² | -50.4%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +2316.8%$289.2B | -95.9%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1242.6%$8,452.372 | -92.6%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +32.2%77.7 yrs | -24.3%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -80.1%13.5 | +402.2%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -73.0%5.1% | +270.3%18.9% |
| Capital | Lima | Mogadishu |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | SOS (Sh) |
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
Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia, with 34.4M residents compared to 19.7M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 24.2 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 13.4 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 18.9 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 402% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Somalia (637,657 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Somalia is located in Africa. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Somalia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Somalia is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Somalia is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 13.4x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Somalia is 1.2x more densely populated than Peru (31 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 18.9 years longer than those of Somalia (77.7 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Somalia for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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.
Peru vs Somalia Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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, Peru or Somalia by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Somalia?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Peru's economy is 24.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Somalia?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.9 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Somalia?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Somalia's 637,657 km². Peru is 2.0 times larger than Somalia.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Somalia?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Peru's inflation rate is 2.0%.
Is Peru or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Peru or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in spec...
Is Peru or Somalia better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Peru or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Peru or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...