Sweden vs Cuba
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Sweden is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba. Sweden covers 450,295 km², 4.1 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 5.2 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
SwedenCuba| Population | +8.8%10.6M | -8.1%9.7M |
| Area | +309.8%450,295 km² | -75.6%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $603.7B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $57,117.488 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +6.7%83.3 yrs | -6.3%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.7%2.0 | +230.0%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +397.9%8.7% | -79.9%1.7% |
| Capital | Stockholm | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Swedish | Spanish |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | CUC ($), 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
Sweden is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba, with 10.6M residents compared to 9.7M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Sweden's GDP stands at $603.7B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.2 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 230% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Sweden lies in Europe, while Cuba is located in North America. Sweden is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and Cuba is in land area: Sweden's 450,295 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Cuba is in infant mortality: Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Cuba is in population: Sweden's 10.6M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 8% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 3.8x more densely populated than Sweden (89 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 5.2 years longer than those of Cuba (83.3 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
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% 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
Sweden vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sweden vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden 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.
Sweden vs Cuba for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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.
Sweden vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden 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, Sweden or Cuba by population?
Sweden is larger by population, with 10.6M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Sweden is 1.1 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden 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 Sweden and Cuba?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 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, Sweden or Cuba?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Sweden is 4.1 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and Cuba?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Sweden's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Sweden or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 ha...
Is Sweden or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in spe...
Is Sweden or Cuba better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 p...
Is Sweden or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...