PeruSwitzerland
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Peru is 3.8 times more populous than Switzerland. Economically, Switzerland ($936.6B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 31.1 times larger than Switzerland's 41,284 km². Life expectancy in Switzerland stands at 84.1 years, 6.3 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
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Metric
PeruSwitzerland| Population | 34.4M | 9.1M |
| Area | 1,285,216 km² | 41,284 km² |
| GDP | $289.2B | $936.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $8,452.372 | $103,998.187 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 84.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 13.5 | 3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 5.1% | 4.9% |
| Capital | Lima | Bern |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | CHF (Fr.) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Peru is 3.8 times more populous than Switzerland, with 34.4M residents compared to 9.1M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Switzerland is a nation of 9.1M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Switzerland averages 220 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Switzerland is classified as a high-income economy. The Switzerland economy ($936.6B) is 3.2 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Switzerland's GDP per capita of $103,998.187 is 271% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Switzerland are on average 12.3 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 84.1 years in Switzerland, a gap of 6.3 years. Switzerland (84.1 years) is 12.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 286% higher than Switzerland's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 31.1 times larger by land area than Switzerland (41,284 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Switzerland borders 5 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Switzerland's 1 timezone. Peru lies in South America, while Switzerland is located in Europe. Peru is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Switzerland belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Switzerland is in land area: Peru's 1,285,216 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Switzerland is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Switzerland's $103,998.187 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Switzerland is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Switzerland's 3.5 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Switzerland's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Switzerland has a GDP per capita of $103,998.187, which is 12.3x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Switzerland is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Switzerland is 8.2x more densely populated than Peru (220 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Switzerland live an average of 6.3 years longer than those of Peru (84.1 vs 77.7 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Switzerland's 1.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Switzerland for Families
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Switzerland's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Switzerland for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Switzerland. However, Switzerland may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Switzerland for Retirees
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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.
Peru vs Switzerland Cost of Living
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 12.3x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Switzerland's smaller cities.
Peru vs Switzerland for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Switzerland covers 1. Peru'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, Peru or Switzerland by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Switzerland's 9.1M. Peru is 3.8 times more populous than Switzerland.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Switzerland?
Switzerland has the higher GDP at $936.6B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Switzerland's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Switzerland?
Switzerland has a higher life expectancy at 84.1 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.3 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Switzerland's is 12.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Switzerland?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Switzerland's 41,284 km². Peru is 31.1 times larger than Switzerland.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Switzerland?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Switzerland recognizes: French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Switzerland?
Switzerland has lower inflation at 1.1%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Switzerland's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Peru or Switzerland better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Switzerland generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Peru or Switzerland cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Switzerland. However, Switzerland may offer better val...
Is Peru or Switzerland better for retirement?
Switzerland's life expectancy of 84.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru 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 Peru or Switzerland more expensive to live in?
Switzerland's GDP per capita is 12.3x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Switzerland, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significan...
Is Peru or Switzerland better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Switzerland, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Switzerland covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...