United Arab EmiratesCuba
United Arab Emirates has a population of 11.3M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. United Arab Emirates is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 1.3 times larger than United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates stands at 82.9 years, 4.8 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
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Metric
United Arab EmiratesCuba| Population | 11.3M | 9.7M |
| Area | 83,600 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $552.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $50,273.506 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 82.9 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.0 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.2% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Abu Dhabi | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic | Spanish |
| Currencies | AED (د.إ) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
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
United Arab Emirates is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba, with 11.3M residents compared to 9.7M. United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. United Arab Emirates's GDP stands at $552.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates is 82.9 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 4.8 years. United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 65% higher than United Arab Emirates's 4.0.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²). United Arab Emirates shares borders with 2 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. United Arab Emirates lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. United Arab Emirates is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Cuba is in infant mortality: United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Cuba is in land area: United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 24% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Cuba is in population: United Arab Emirates's 11.3M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 14% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Arab Emirates's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
United Arab Emirates is 1.5x more densely populated than Cuba (135 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United Arab Emirates live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Cuba (82.9 vs 78.1 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
United Arab Emirates's economy grew at 4.0% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United Arab Emirates has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
United Arab Emirates vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United Arab Emirates's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
United Arab Emirates vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
United Arab Emirates is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $50,273.506 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Arab Emirates can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
United Arab Emirates vs Cuba for Retirees
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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.
United Arab Emirates vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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, United Arab Emirates or Cuba by population?
United Arab Emirates is larger by population, with 11.3M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. United Arab Emirates is 1.2 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, United Arab Emirates or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between United Arab Emirates and Cuba?
United Arab Emirates has a higher life expectancy at 82.9 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. United Arab Emirates's life expectancy is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, United Arab Emirates or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km². Cuba is 1.3 times larger than United Arab Emirates.
What languages are spoken in United Arab Emirates and Cuba?
United Arab Emirates recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, United Arab Emirates or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. United Arab Emirates's inflation rate is 1.7%.
Is United Arab Emirates or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United Arab Emirates generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.0 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-f...
Is United Arab Emirates or Cuba cheaper to visit?
United Arab Emirates is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $50,273.506 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Arab Emirates can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba m...
Is United Arab Emirates or Cuba better for retirement?
United Arab Emirates's life expectancy of 82.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acc...
Is United Arab Emirates or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both cou...
Population Growth
United Arab Emirates, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023