Iraq vs Cambodia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Iraq is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 6.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 2.4 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 1.7 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
IraqCambodia| Population | +162.4%46.1M | -61.9%17.6M |
| Area | +142.1%438,317 km² | -58.7%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +503.3%$279.6B | -83.4%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +131.1%$6,073.61 | -56.7%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.3%72.3 yrs | -2.3%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2.5%20.8 | -2.4%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +5787.8%15.5% | -98.3%0.3% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Khmer |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Iraq is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia, with 46.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 6.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 1.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 2% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Cambodia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Cambodia is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Cambodia is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 2.3x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.1x more densely populated than Cambodia (105 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 1.7 years longer than those of Cambodia (72.3 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iraq vs Cambodia for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Iraq vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia'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, Iraq or Cambodia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Iraq is 2.6 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Cambodia?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Iraq's economy is 6.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Cambodia?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Cambodia?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Iraq is 2.4 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Cambodia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Cambodia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Cambodia's 0.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cambodia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Iraq or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in s...
Is Iraq or Cambodia better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Iraq or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....