Turkey vs Spain
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Spain's 49.3M. Turkey is 1.7 times more populous than Spain. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 1.5 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 6.7 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
TurkeySpain| Population | +73.7%85.7M | -42.4%49.3M |
| Area | +54.9%783,562 km² | -35.4%505,992 km² |
| GDP | -21.2%$1.36T | +27.0%$1.73T |
| GDP Per Capita | -55.0%$15,892.716 | +122.3%$35,326.768 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.0%77.2 yrs | +8.7%83.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +250.0%9.1 | -71.4%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -17.9%8.5% | +21.8%10.4% |
| Capital | Ankara | Madrid |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Turkish | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | EUR (€) |
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
Turkey is 1.7 times more populous than Spain, with 85.7M residents compared to 49.3M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Spain is a nation of 49.3M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Spain has grown at 0.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Spain is classified as a high-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 1.3 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Turkey.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 83.9 years in Spain, a gap of 6.7 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 250% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Spain borders 5 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Spain's 2 timezones. Both Turkey and Spain are located in Europe and Asia. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Spain belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Spain is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Spain is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Spain's $35,326.768 represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Spain is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Spain's 49.3M represents a 42% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Spain's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 2.2x that of Turkey ($15,892.716). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 1.1x more densely populated than Spain (109 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 6.7 years longer than those of Turkey (83.9 vs 77.2 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Spain for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey vs Spain for Budget Travelers
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Spain for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Spain Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkey can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Spain for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Spain covers 2. Turkey'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, Turkey or Spain by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Spain's 49.3M. Turkey is 1.7 times more populous than Spain.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Spain?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Turkey's $1.36T. Spain's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Spain?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.7 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Spain's is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Turkey or Spain?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². Turkey is 1.5 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Spain?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Spain recognizes: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Spain?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Spain's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Spain better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Turkey or Spain cheaper to visit?
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in s...
Is Turkey or Spain better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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 Turkey or Spain more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Turkey or Spain better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Spain covers 2. Turkey's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...