IranCuba
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Iran is 8.8 times more populous than Cuba. Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 15.0 times larger than Cuba's 109,884 km². Life expectancy in Cuba stands at 78.1 years, 0.4 years higher than Iran's 77.7 years.
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Iran wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
IranCuba| Population | 86.0M | 9.7M |
| Area | 1,648,195 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.7 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Tehran | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Spanish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | CUC ($), 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
Iran is 8.8 times more populous than Cuba, with 86.0M residents compared to 9.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). Cuba has grown at -0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. Iran's GDP stands at $475.3B. GDP data is not available for Cuba. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 0.4 years. Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iran's infant mortality is 62% higher than Cuba's 6.6.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 15.0 times larger by land area than Cuba (109,884 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Cuba borders 0 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Cuba is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cuba is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Cuba is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Cuba is 1.7x more densely populated than Iran (89 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cuba live an average of 0.4 years longer than those of Iran (78.1 vs 77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cuba's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Cuba for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran 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.
Iran vs Cuba for Retirees
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran 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.
Iran vs Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Cuba by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. Iran is 8.8 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran 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 Iran and Cuba?
Cuba has a higher life expectancy at 78.1 years, compared to Iran's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.4 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Cuba?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km². Iran is 15.0 times larger than Cuba.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Cuba?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. Iran's inflation rate is 32.5%.
Is Iran or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cuba generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.6 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attract...
Is Iran or Cuba cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better value in specific ...
Is Iran or Cuba better for retirement?
Cuba's life expectancy of 78.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pre...
Is Iran or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital noma...