Iraq vs Ivory Coast
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 10.4 years higher than Ivory Coast's 61.9 years.
IraqIvory Coast| Population | +45.4%46.1M | -31.2%31.7M |
| Area | +35.9%438,317 km² | -26.4%322,463 km² |
| GDP | +221.0%$279.6B | -68.8%$87.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +122.6%$6,073.61 | -55.1%$2,727.894 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.8%72.3 yrs | -14.4%61.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -55.4%20.8 | +124.0%46.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +566.6%15.5% | -85.0%2.3% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Yamoussoukro |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast, with 46.1M residents compared to 31.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Ivory Coast is a nation of 31.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Ivory Coast averages 98 people per km² (moderate). Ivory Coast has grown at 2.67% 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 Ivory Coast is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 3.2 times larger than Ivory Coast's ($87.1B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ivory Coast's GDP per capita of $2,727.894 is 24% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Ivory Coast.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 61.9 years in Ivory Coast, a gap of 10.4 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast (61.9 years) is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ivory Coast's infant mortality is 124% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Ivory Coast (322,463 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Ivory Coast borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Ivory Coast's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Ivory Coast is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Ivory Coast belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Ivory Coast is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Ivory Coast is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Ivory Coast's 46.6 per 1,000 represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Ivory Coast is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Ivory Coast's $2,727.894 represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Ivory Coast'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 2.2x that of Ivory Coast ($2,727.894). 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 Ivory Coast (105 vs 98 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ivory Coast's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 10.4 years longer than those of Ivory Coast (72.3 vs 61.9 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
Ivory Coast's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Ivory Coast's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Ivory Coast for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Ivory Coast for Budget Travelers
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ivory Coast can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Ivory Coast for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast'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 Ivory Coast by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Ivory Coast's 31.7M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Ivory Coast.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Ivory Coast?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Ivory Coast's $87.1B. Iraq's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Ivory Coast?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Ivory Coast's 61.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.4 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Ivory Coast's is 10.1 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Ivory Coast?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Ivory Coast's 322,463 km². Iraq is 1.4 times larger than Ivory Coast.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Ivory Coast?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Ivory Coast recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Ivory Coast?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Ivory Coast's 3.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ivory Coast's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Ivory Coast better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 46.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ivory Coast offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Iraq or Ivory Coast cheaper to visit?
Ivory Coast is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,727.894 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ivory Coast can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better val...
Is Iraq or Ivory Coast better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ivory Coast 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 Iraq or Ivory Coast more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Ivory Coast, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ivory Coast offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Iraq or Ivory Coast better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Ivory Coast, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Ivory Coast covers 1. Ivory Coast's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...