GuatemalaNigeria
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 12.4 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Nigeria ($252.3B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 8.5 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 18.1 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Metric
GuatemalaNigeria| Population | 18.1M | 223.8M |
| Area | 108,889 km² | 923,768 km² |
| GDP | $113.2B | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,150.026 | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.6 yrs | 54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 17.9 | 60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Abuja |
| Region | Americas | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | NGN (₦) |
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
Nigeria is 12.4 times more populous than Guatemala, with 223.8M residents compared to 18.1M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. The Nigeria economy ($252.3B) is 2.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 5.7 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 18.1 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 236% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 8.5 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Nigeria is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Nigeria is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Nigeria is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Nigeria's $1,084.16 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 5.7x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Nigeria is 1.5x more densely populated than Guatemala (242 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 18.1 years longer than those of Nigeria (72.6 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Nigeria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Nigeria for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Guatemala vs Nigeria Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria'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, Guatemala or Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Nigeria is 12.4 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Nigeria?
Nigeria has the higher GDP at $252.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Nigeria's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Nigeria?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 18.1 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Nigeria is 8.5 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Nigeria?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Nigeria?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Guatemala or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Guatemala or Nigeria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better va...
Is Guatemala or Nigeria better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Guatemala or Nigeria more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Guatemala or Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...
Population Growth
Guatemala, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Nigeria, 1994 to 2023