Philippines vs Sweden
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Philippines is 10.8 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.3 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 13.5 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesSweden| Population | +976.1%114.1M | -90.7%10.6M |
| Area | -24.0%342,353 km² | +31.5%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -23.5%$461.6B | +30.8%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -93.0%$3,984.832 | +1333.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.2%69.8 yrs | +19.3%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1005.0%22.1 | -91.0%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -74.3%2.2% | +289.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Manila | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Swedish |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | 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
Philippines is 10.8 times more populous than Sweden, with 114.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.3 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 14.3 times wealthier than those in Philippines.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 13.5 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Philippines's infant mortality is 1005% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Sweden is in infant mortality: Philippines's 22.1 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Sweden is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines'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 14.3x that of Philippines ($3,984.832). 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
Philippines is 14.2x more densely populated than Sweden (333 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 13.5 years longer than those of Philippines (83.3 vs 69.8 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Sweden's 0.8%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Philippines vs Sweden for Budget Travelers
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines 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.
Philippines vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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.
Philippines vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 14.3x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Philippines can approach or exceed average costs in Sweden's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Philippines'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, Philippines or Sweden by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Philippines is 10.8 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Philippines's $461.6B. Sweden's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.5 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below 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, Philippines or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Sweden is 1.3 times larger than Philippines.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Sweden?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Philippines's 3.2%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Philippines's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Philippines or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Philippines or Sweden cheaper to visit?
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better...
Is Philippines or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Philippines or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 14.3x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signif...
Is Philippines or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...