Kenya vs Cuba
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Kenya is 5.5 times more populous than Cuba. Kenya covers 580,367 km², 5.3 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 14.4 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaCuba| Population | +447.1%53.3M | -81.7%9.7M |
| Area | +428.2%580,367 km² | -81.1%109,884 km² |
| GDP | $120.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $2,132.435 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -18.5%63.6 yrs | +22.7%78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +425.8%34.7 | -81.0%6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +212.1%5.4% | -68.0%1.7% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Havana |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Spanish |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | CUC ($), 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
Kenya is 5.5 times more populous than Cuba, with 53.3M residents compared to 9.7M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), 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 Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Kenya's GDP stands at $120.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 14.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 426% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 5.3 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Cuba is located in North America. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Cuba is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Cuba is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Cuba is in infant mortality: Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Kenya is 1.0x more densely populated than Cuba (92 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 14.4 years longer than those of Kenya (78.1 vs 63.6 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
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya 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, Kenya or Cuba by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Kenya is 5.5 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya 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 Kenya and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.4 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below 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, Kenya or Cuba?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Kenya is 5.3 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Cuba?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Kenya's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Kenya or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Kenya or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specif...
Is Kenya or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Kenya or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...