Sweden vs Israel
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Sweden is 1.0 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 20.5 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 0.1 years higher than Israel's 83.2 years.
SwedenIsrael| Population | +4.6%10.6M | -4.4%10.1M |
| Area | +1952.7%450,295 km² | -95.1%21,937 km² |
| GDP | +11.7%$603.7B | -10.5%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +5.4%$57,117.488 | -5.1%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.1%83.3 yrs | -0.1%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -25.9%2.0 | +35.0%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +149.2%8.7% | -59.9%3.5% |
| Capital | Stockholm | Jerusalem |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Swedish | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | ILS (₪) |
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 Israel, with 10.6M residents compared to 10.1M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). Israel has grown at 2.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.1 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Israel.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 0.1 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Israel's infant mortality is 35% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 20.5 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Sweden lies in Europe, while Israel is located in Asia. Sweden is categorized within the Europe region (Northern Europe), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and Israel is in land area: Sweden's 450,295 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Israel is in infant mortality: Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 26% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Israel is in GDP: Sweden's $603.7B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 10% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden's high-income economy and Israel'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 1.1x that of Israel ($54,176.684). 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
Israel is 19.6x more densely populated than Sweden (462 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 0.1 years longer than those of Israel (83.3 vs 83.2 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
Israel's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Sweden vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Israel 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 Israel for Budget Travelers
Israel is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $54,176.684 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Israel 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 Israel Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Israel, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Israel offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Israel can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Sweden vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Israel'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 Israel by population?
Sweden is larger by population, with 10.6M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Sweden is 1.0 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden or Israel?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Israel's $540.4B. Sweden's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sweden and Israel?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Israel's 83.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Sweden or Israel?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Sweden is 20.5 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and Israel?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or Israel?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Sweden or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Israel offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Sweden or Israel cheaper to visit?
Israel is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $54,176.684 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Israel can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in...
Is Sweden or Israel better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Israel 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 Israel more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Israel, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Israel offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Sweden or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Israel's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...