Iraq vs Pakistan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 5.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Pakistan ($371.6B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 1.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 4.7 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
IraqPakistan| Population | -80.9%46.1M | +423.6%241.5M |
| Area | -44.9%438,317 km² | +81.6%796,095 km² |
| GDP | -24.7%$279.6B | +32.9%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +310.7%$6,073.61 | -75.7%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.9%72.3 yrs | -6.5%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -58.5%20.8 | +140.9%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +185.7%15.5% | -65.0%5.4% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 5.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 241.5M residents compared to 46.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Pakistan economy ($371.6B) is 1.3 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 4.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 141% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Pakistan is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan'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 4.1x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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
Pakistan is 2.9x more densely populated than Iraq (303 vs 105 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iraq's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 4.7 years longer than those of Pakistan (72.3 vs 67.6 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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 Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Pakistan is 5.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Pakistan?
Pakistan has the higher GDP at $371.6B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Pakistan's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Pakistan?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Pakistan is 1.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Pakistan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Pakistan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Iraq or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in ...
Is Iraq or Pakistan better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....