Sri LankaGuatemala
Sri Lanka has a population of 21.8M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 1.7 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 4.9 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
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Sri Lanka wins
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Guatemala wins
Metric
Sri LankaGuatemala| Population | 21.8M | 18.1M |
| Area | 65,610 km² | 108,889 km² |
| GDP | $99.0B | $113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,515.568 | $6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.5 yrs | 72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 5.3 | 17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 4.0% | 2.6% |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil | Spanish |
| Currencies | LKR (Rs රු) | 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
Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Guatemala, with 21.8M residents compared to 18.1M. Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense), 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 Sri Lanka.
Economy Comparison
Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 1.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below 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 Guatemala are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sri Lanka is 77.5 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 4.9 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 238% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Sri Lanka shares borders with 0 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Sri Lanka lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Sri Lanka is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Guatemala is in land area: Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Sri Lanka and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: Sri Lanka's $4,515.568 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 27% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sri Lanka's upper-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 1.4x that of Sri Lanka ($4,515.568). 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
Sri Lanka is 2.0x more densely populated than Guatemala (332 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sri Lanka live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Guatemala (77.5 vs 72.6 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Sri Lanka vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sri Lanka vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka 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.
Sri Lanka vs Guatemala for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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.
Sri Lanka vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sri Lanka can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Sri Lanka vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Sri Lanka'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, Sri Lanka or Guatemala by population?
Sri Lanka is larger by population, with 21.8M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Sri Lanka is 1.2 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sri Lanka or Guatemala?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Guatemala's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sri Lanka and Guatemala?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Sri Lanka's life expectancy is 5.5 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, Sri Lanka or Guatemala?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Guatemala is 1.7 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka and Guatemala?
Sri Lanka recognizes the following languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sri Lanka or Guatemala?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Sri Lanka'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 Sri Lanka or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Sri Lanka or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer bett...
Is Sri Lanka or Guatemala better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, c...
Is Sri Lanka or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Sri Lanka or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sri Lanka and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sri Lanka spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...