Venezuela vs Sweden
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Venezuela is 2.7 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 2.0 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 10.8 years higher than Venezuela's 72.5 years.
VenezuelaSweden| Population | +168.9%28.5M | -62.8%10.6M |
| Area | +103.5%916,445 km² | -50.9%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -80.2%$119.8B | +403.9%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.6%$4,217.591 | +1254.3%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.0%72.5 yrs | +14.9%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +975.0%21.5 | -90.7%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -39.0%5.3% | +63.8%8.7% |
| Capital | Caracas | Stockholm |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | Swedish |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | SEK (kr) |
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 Sweden, with 28.5M residents compared to 10.6M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 5.0 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. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 13.5 times wealthier than those in Venezuela.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 10.8 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 975% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Venezuela lies in South America, while Sweden is located in Europe. Venezuela is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Venezuela and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Venezuela's $4,217.591 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Sweden is in infant mortality: Venezuela's 21.5 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Sweden is in GDP: Venezuela's $119.8B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden'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 13.5x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Venezuela is 1.3x more densely populated than Sweden (31 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 10.8 years longer than those of Venezuela (83.3 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 Sweden's 0.8%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Venezuela vs Sweden 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 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.
Venezuela vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 13.5x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. 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 Sweden by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Venezuela is 2.7 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Venezuela's $119.8B. Sweden's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Venezuela's 72.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.8 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Venezuela or Sweden?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Venezuela is 2.0 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Sweden?
Venezuela recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Venezuela or Sweden?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Sweden's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Venezuela or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 ...
Is Venezuela or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better val...
Is Venezuela or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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, clim...
Is Venezuela or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 13.5x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Venezuela or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Venezuela's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...