South Africa vs Guatemala
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. South Africa is 3.5 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 3.5 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 11.2 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 6.5 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaGuatemala| Population | +249.0%63.1M | -71.3%18.1M |
| Area | +1021.4%1,221,037 km² | -91.1%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +254.4%$401.1B | -71.8%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1.9%$6,267.187 | -1.9%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.9%66.1 yrs | +9.8%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +36.3%24.4 | -26.6%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1143.9%32.4% | -92.0%2.6% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Spanish |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 3.5 times more populous than Guatemala, with 63.1M residents compared to 18.1M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, South Africa 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 South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 3.5 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 South Africa are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 6.5 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 36% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 11.2 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Guatemala is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Guatemala is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Guatemala is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 1.0x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 3.2x more densely populated than South Africa (166 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 6.5 years longer than those of South Africa (72.6 vs 66.1 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Guatemala Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Guatemala by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. South Africa is 3.5 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Guatemala?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. South Africa's economy is 3.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.5 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Guatemala?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². South Africa is 11.2 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Guatemala?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offe...
Is South Africa or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is South Africa or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is South Africa or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...