Benin vs Sweden
Benin has a population of 13.2M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 28.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 4.0 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 22.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
BeninSweden| Population | +24.7%13.2M | -19.8%10.6M |
| Area | -75.0%112,622 km² | +299.8%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -96.4%$21.5B | +2710.2%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.4%$1,485.38 | +3745.3%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -27.1%60.8 yrs | +37.1%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2220.0%46.4 | -95.7%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -81.7%1.6% | +447.1%8.7% |
| Capital | Porto-Novo | Stockholm |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | French | Swedish |
| Currencies | XOF (Fr) | SEK (kr) |
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
Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden, with 13.2M residents compared to 10.6M. Benin is a nation of 13.2M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 28.1 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 38.5 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Benin is 60.8 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 22.5 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 2220% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Benin shares borders with 4 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Benin spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Benin lies in Africa, while Sweden is located in Europe. Benin is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Benin and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Benin's $1,485.38 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Sweden is in GDP: Benin's $21.5B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Benin and Sweden is in infant mortality: Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 96% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Benin's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 38.5x that of Benin ($1,485.38). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Benin is 5.0x more densely populated than Sweden (117 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 22.5 years longer than those of Benin (83.3 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Benin vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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.
Benin vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Benin vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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.
Benin vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 38.5x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Benin vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Benin'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, Benin or Sweden by population?
Benin is larger by population, with 13.2M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Benin is 1.2 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Benin or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Sweden's economy is 28.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Benin and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.5 years. Benin's life expectancy is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Benin or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Sweden is 4.0 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Benin and Sweden?
Benin recognizes the following official language: French. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Benin or Sweden?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Benin or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Benin or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in spe...
Is Benin or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 38.5x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Benin or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Benin and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Benin spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...