Sweden vs India
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 133.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 6.5 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 7.3 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 11.3 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
SwedenIndia| Population | -99.3%10.6M | +13266.1%1.42B |
| Area | -86.3%450,295 km² | +630.0%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -84.6%$603.7B | +547.6%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +2019.6%$57,117.488 | -95.3%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.7%83.3 yrs | -13.6%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -91.8%2.0 | +1125.0%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +106.1%8.7% | -51.5%4.2% |
| Capital | Stockholm | New Delhi |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Swedish | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | INR (₹) |
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
India is 133.7 times more populous than Sweden, with 1.42B residents compared to 10.6M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 6.5 times larger than Sweden's ($603.7B). Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 21.2 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 11.3 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 1125% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 7.3 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Sweden lies in Europe, while India is located in Asia. Sweden is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas India belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and India is in population: Sweden's 10.6M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and India is in GDP per capita: Sweden's $57,117.488 compared to India's $2,694.738 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and India is in infant mortality: Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 compared to India's 24.5 per 1,000 represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden's high-income economy and India's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 21.2x that of India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 18.3x more densely populated than Sweden (431 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 11.3 years longer than those of India (83.3 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sweden vs India for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India 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.
Sweden vs India for Budget Travelers
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India 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 India for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 India Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 21.2x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in India can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Sweden vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India'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 India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. India is 133.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden or India?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Sweden's $603.7B. India's economy is 6.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sweden and India?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.3 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sweden or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². India is 7.3 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and India?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or India?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to India's 5.0%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Sweden or India better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Sweden or India cheaper to visit?
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in sp...
Is Sweden or India better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 India more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 21.2x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Sweden or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...