Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 11.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 19.7 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 6.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
Saudi ArabiaGuatemala| Population | +95.2%35.3M | -48.8%18.1M |
| Area | +1874.2%2,149,690 km² | -94.9%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +995.2%$1.24T | -90.9%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +471.1%$35,121.663 | -82.5%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.4%78.7 yrs | -7.8%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -72.6%4.9 | +265.3%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +16.7%3.0% | -14.3%2.6% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic | Spanish |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | 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
Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Guatemala, with 35.3M residents compared to 18.1M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), 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 Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 11.0 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Saudi Arabia are on average 5.7 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 6.1 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 265% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 19.7 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 5.7x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 10.1x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (166 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 6.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (78.7 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala'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, Saudi Arabia or Guatemala by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Guatemala?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 11.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.1 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above 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, Saudi Arabia or Guatemala?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Saudi Arabia is 19.7 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Guatemala?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Guatemala?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Saudi Arabia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Saudi Arabia or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offe...
Is Saudi Arabia or Guatemala better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Saudi Arabia or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 5.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Saudi Arabia or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...