Sweden vs Greece
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Sweden is 1.0 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 3.4 times larger than Greece's 131,990 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 1.8 years higher than Greece's 81.5 years.
SwedenGreece| Population | +2.0%10.6M | -1.9%10.4M |
| Area | +241.2%450,295 km² | -70.7%131,990 km² |
| GDP | +135.6%$603.7B | -57.6%$256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +131.9%$57,117.488 | -56.9%$24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.2%83.3 yrs | -2.1%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -37.5%2.0 | +60.0%3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1.8%8.7% | -1.8%8.5% |
| Capital | Stockholm | Athens |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Swedish | Greek |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | 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
Sweden is 1.0 times more populous than Greece, with 10.6M residents compared to 10.4M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). Greece has grown at -0.52% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 2.4 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Greece.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 1.8 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Greece's infant mortality is 60% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 3.4 times larger by land area than Greece (131,990 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while Greece borders 4 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Both Sweden and Greece are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Europe and Southern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and Greece is in land area: Sweden's 450,295 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km² represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Greece is in GDP: Sweden's $603.7B compared to Greece's $256.2B represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Greece is in GDP per capita: Sweden's $57,117.488 compared to Greece's $24,626.148 represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden's high-income economy and Greece'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 2.3x that of Greece ($24,626.148). 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
Greece is 3.3x more densely populated than Sweden (79 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 1.8 years longer than those of Greece (83.3 vs 81.5 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
Greece's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Greece has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Sweden vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece 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.
Sweden vs Greece for Budget Travelers
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece 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.
Sweden vs Greece for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece 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.
Sweden vs Greece Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Greece can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Sweden vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Greece'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, Sweden or Greece by population?
Sweden is larger by population, with 10.6M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Sweden is 1.0 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden or Greece?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Greece's $256.2B. Sweden's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sweden and Greece?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Greece's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sweden or Greece?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km². Sweden is 3.4 times larger than Greece.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and Greece?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or Greece?
Greece has lower inflation at 2.7%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Greece'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 Sweden or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Sweden or Greece cheaper to visit?
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in...
Is Sweden or Greece better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece 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 Sweden or Greece more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sweden or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Greece's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...