Kenya vs Guatemala
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Kenya is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 5.3 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 9.0 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaGuatemala| Population | +195.0%53.3M | -66.1%18.1M |
| Area | +433.0%580,367 km² | -81.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +6.3%$120.3B | -5.9%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -65.3%$2,132.435 | +188.4%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.3%63.6 yrs | +14.1%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +93.9%34.7 | -48.4%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +109.3%5.4% | -52.2%2.6% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Guatemala City |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Spanish |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Kenya is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala, with 53.3M residents compared to 18.1M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 9.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 94% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 5.3 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Guatemala is located in North America. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Guatemala is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Guatemala is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 2.9x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). 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
Guatemala is 1.8x more densely populated than Kenya (166 vs 92 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kenya's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Guatemala live an average of 9.0 years longer than those of Kenya (72.6 vs 63.6 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
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Kenya'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, Kenya or Guatemala by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Kenya is 2.9 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Guatemala?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Kenya's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.0 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Guatemala?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Kenya is 5.3 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Guatemala?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Kenya or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value...
Is Kenya or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Kenya or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Kenya or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...