NetherlandsCuba
Netherlands has a population of 18.1M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Netherlands is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 2.6 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 3.8 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
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Netherlands wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
NetherlandsCuba| Population | 18.1M | 9.7M |
| Area | 41,865 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $1.21T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $67,520.422 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 81.9 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.5 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.9% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Amsterdam | Havana |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Dutch | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
Netherlands is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba, with 18.1M residents compared to 9.7M. Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Netherlands's GDP stands at $1.21T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 3.8 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 89% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Netherlands shares borders with 2 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Netherlands spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Netherlands lies in Europe, while Cuba is located in North America. Netherlands is categorized within the Europe region (Western Europe), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Netherlands and Cuba is in land area: Netherlands's 41,865 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Cuba is in infant mortality: Netherlands's 3.5 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Cuba is in population: Netherlands's 18.1M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Netherlands's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Netherlands is 4.9x more densely populated than Cuba (432 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Netherlands live an average of 3.8 years longer than those of Cuba (81.9 vs 78.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Netherlands's economy grew at 1.1% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Netherlands vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Netherlands vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Netherlands is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $67,520.422 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Netherlands can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Netherlands vs Cuba for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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.
Netherlands vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, Netherlands or Cuba by population?
Netherlands is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Netherlands is 1.9 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Netherlands or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Netherlands and Cuba?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.8 years. Netherlands's life expectancy is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Netherlands or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Cuba is 2.6 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands and Cuba?
Netherlands recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Netherlands or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Netherlands's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Netherlands or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Netherlands or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Netherlands is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $67,520.422 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Netherlands can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better va...
Is Netherlands or Cuba better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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 Netherlands or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...
Population Growth
Netherlands, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023