Peru vs Portugal
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Peru is 3.2 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 14.0 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 4.5 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
PeruPortugal| Population | +219.5%34.4M | -68.7%10.7M |
| Area | +1295.6%1,285,216 km² | -92.8%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -7.7%$289.2B | +8.3%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -71.1%$8,452.372 | +246.6%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.5%77.7 yrs | +5.8%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +419.2%13.5 | -80.7%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -17.0%5.1% | +20.5%6.2% |
| Capital | Lima | Lisbon |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | 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
Peru is 3.2 times more populous than Portugal, with 34.4M residents compared to 10.7M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 4.5 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 419% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 14.0 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Peru lies in South America, while Portugal is located in Europe. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Portugal is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Portugal is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 3.5x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 4.4x more densely populated than Peru (117 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 4.5 years longer than those of Peru (82.3 vs 77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Portugal for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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.
Peru vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.
Peru vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Peru'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, Peru or Portugal by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Peru is 3.2 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Portugal's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.5 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Portugal?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Peru is 14.0 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Portugal?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Portugal?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Peru or Portugal cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in ...
Is Peru or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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 Peru or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Peru or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...