BrazilSpain
Brazil has a population of 213.4M, compared to Spain's 49.3M. Brazil is 4.3 times more populous than Spain. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Spain's ($1.73T). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 16.8 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 8.0 years higher than Brazil's 75.8 years.
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Brazil wins
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Spain wins
Metric
BrazilSpain| Population | 213.4M | 49.3M |
| Area | 8,515,767 km² | 505,992 km² |
| GDP | $2.19T | $1.73T |
| GDP Per Capita | $10,310.549 | $35,326.768 |
| Life Expectancy | 75.8 yrs | 83.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 12.5 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.0% | 10.4% |
| Capital | Brasília | Madrid |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Portuguese | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician |
| Currencies | BRL (R$) | EUR (€) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 4.3 times more populous than Spain, with 213.4M residents compared to 49.3M. Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Spain is a nation of 49.3M people. In terms of population density, Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Spain has grown at 0.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Spain is classified as a high-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 1.3 times larger than Spain's ($1.73T). Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Brazil.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.8 years, compared to 83.9 years in Spain, a gap of 8.0 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 381% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 16.8 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, while Spain borders 5 countries. Brazil spans 4 timezones, compared to Spain's 2 timezones. Brazil lies in South America, while Spain is located in Europe. Brazil is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Spain belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brazil and Spain is in land area: Brazil's 8,515,767 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Spain is in infant mortality: Brazil's 12.5 per 1,000 compared to Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and Spain is in population: Brazil's 213.4M compared to Spain's 49.3M represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brazil's upper-middle-income economy and Spain's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 3.4x that of Brazil ($10,310.549). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 3.9x more densely populated than Brazil (97 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 8.0 years longer than those of Brazil (83.9 vs 75.8 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Brazil's 3.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brazil vs Spain for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brazil vs Spain for Budget Travelers
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brazil vs Spain for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil 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.
Brazil vs Spain Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Brazil can approach or exceed average costs in Spain's smaller cities.
Brazil vs Spain for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Spain covers 2. Brazil'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, Brazil or Spain by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to Spain's 49.3M. Brazil is 4.3 times more populous than Spain.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brazil or Spain?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to Spain's $1.73T. Brazil's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brazil and Spain?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Brazil's 75.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.0 years. Brazil's life expectancy is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while Spain's is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brazil or Spain?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². Brazil is 16.8 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Brazil and Spain?
Brazil recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Spain recognizes: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brazil or Spain?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. Spain's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Brazil or Spain better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Brazil or Spain cheaper to visit?
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in s...
Is Brazil or Spain better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil 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 Brazil or Spain more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Brazil or Spain better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while Spain covers 2. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...
Population Growth
Brazil, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Spain, 1994 to 2023