Chile vs Sweden
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Chile is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 1.7 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 2.1 years higher than Chile's 81.2 years.
ChileSweden| Population | +90.5%20.2M | -47.5%10.6M |
| Area | +67.9%756,102 km² | -40.4%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -45.3%$330.3B | +82.8%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -70.7%$16,709.889 | +241.8%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.6%81.2 yrs | +2.6%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +210.0%6.2 | -67.7%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3.2%9.0% | -3.1%8.7% |
| Capital | Santiago | Stockholm |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Swedish |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | 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
Chile is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden, with 20.2M residents compared to 10.6M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.8 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 3.4 times wealthier than those in Chile.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 2.1 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chile's infant mortality is 210% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Sweden is located in Europe. Chile is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Sweden is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Sweden is in population: Chile's 20.2M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 48% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-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 3.4x that of Chile ($16,709.889). 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
Chile is 1.1x more densely populated than Sweden (27 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 2.1 years longer than those of Chile (83.3 vs 81.2 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 6.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chile offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Chile vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Chile is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $16,709.889 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chile 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.
Chile vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chile 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.
Chile vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Chile, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Chile offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chile can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Chile vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Chile'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, Chile or Sweden by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Chile is 1.9 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Chile's $330.3B. Sweden's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Chile's 81.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above 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, Chile or Sweden?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Chile is 1.7 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Sweden?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 6.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chile offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Chile or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Chile is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $16,709.889 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chile can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in s...
Is Chile or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chile 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 Chile or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Chile, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Chile offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Chile or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Sweden covers 1. Chile's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...