Spain vs Guatemala
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Spain is 2.7 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 15.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 4.6 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 11.3 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
SpainGuatemala| Population | +172.8%49.3M | -63.3%18.1M |
| Area | +364.7%505,992 km² | -78.5%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +1424.5%$1.73T | -93.4%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +474.4%$35,326.768 | -82.6%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.5%83.9 yrs | -13.4%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -85.5%2.6 | +588.5%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +298.5%10.4% | -74.9%2.6% |
| Capital | Madrid | Guatemala City |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Spain is 2.7 times more populous than Guatemala, with 49.3M residents compared to 18.1M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 15.2 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Spain are on average 5.7 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 11.3 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 588% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 4.6 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Guatemala is located in North America. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Guatemala is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, 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 Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.7x more densely populated than Spain (166 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 11.3 years longer than those of Guatemala (83.9 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 Spain's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Guatemala for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Spain'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 Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones 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, Spain or Guatemala by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Spain is 2.7 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Guatemala?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Spain's economy is 15.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Guatemala?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.3 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Guatemala?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Spain is 4.6 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Guatemala?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Guatemala?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Spain'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 Spain or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 countri...
Is Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value...
Is Spain or Guatemala better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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, clima...
Is Spain or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Spain'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 Spain, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Spain or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...