Venezuela vs Portugal
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Venezuela is 2.7 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 2.6 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 10.0 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 9.8 years higher than Venezuela's 72.5 years.
VenezuelaPortugal| Population | +165.3%28.5M | -62.3%10.7M |
| Area | +895.2%916,445 km² | -90.0%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -61.8%$119.8B | +161.5%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -85.6%$4,217.591 | +594.5%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.9%72.5 yrs | +13.5%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +726.9%21.5 | -87.9%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -13.9%5.3% | +16.1%6.2% |
| Capital | Caracas | Lisbon |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.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
Venezuela is 2.7 times more populous than Portugal, with 28.5M residents compared to 10.7M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 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 Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 2.6 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% 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 6.9 times wealthier than those in Venezuela.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 9.8 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 21.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Venezuela's infant mortality is 727% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 10.0 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Venezuela lies in South America, while Portugal is located in Europe. Venezuela is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Portugal is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Portugal is in infant mortality: Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Venezuela's $4,217.591 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 86% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-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 6.9x that of Venezuela ($4,217.591). 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 3.8x more densely populated than Venezuela (117 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of Venezuela (82.3 vs 72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Portugal's 2.1%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Portugal for Budget Travelers
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 6.9x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Venezuela can approach or exceed average costs in Portugal's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Venezuela'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, Venezuela or Portugal by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Venezuela is 2.7 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Venezuela's $119.8B. Portugal's economy is 2.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Venezuela's 72.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 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, Venezuela or Portugal?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Venezuela is 10.0 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Portugal?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Portugal?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Portugal's inflation rate is 2.4%.
Is Venezuela or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Venezuela or Portugal cheaper to visit?
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better...
Is Venezuela or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Venezuela may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Venezuela or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 6.9x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Venezuela or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Venezuela's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...