JapanIraq
Japan has a population of 123.2M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 14.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.2 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 11.7 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
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Iraq wins
Metric
JapanIraq| Population | 123.2M | 46.1M |
| Area | 377,930 km² | 438,317 km² |
| GDP | $4.03T | $279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $32,487.078 | $6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | 84.0 yrs | 72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 1.8 | 20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.5% | 15.5% |
| Capital | Tokyo | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Japanese | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | JPY (¥) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq, with 123.2M residents compared to 46.1M. Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Japan is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 14.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 5.3 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Japan is 84.0 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 11.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 1056% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Japan shares borders with 0 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Japan spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Japan and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Japan and Iraq is in GDP: Japan's $4.03T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Iraq is in infant mortality: Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Japan and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Japan's $32,487.078 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Japan's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 5.3x that of Iraq ($6,073.61). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 3.1x more densely populated than Iraq (326 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 Japan live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Iraq (84.0 vs 72.3 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
Japan's economy grew at 0.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Japan vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Japan vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Japan vs Iraq for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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.
Japan vs Iraq Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iraq can approach or exceed average costs in Japan's smaller cities.
Japan vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq'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, Japan or Iraq by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Japan or Iraq?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Japan's economy is 14.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Japan and Iraq?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Japan's life expectancy is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Japan or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Iraq is 1.2 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Japan and Iraq?
Japan recognizes the following official language: Japanese. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Japan or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Japan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Japan or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 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 attrac...
Is Japan or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specifi...
Is Japan or Iraq better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Japan or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Japan or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Japan and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Japan spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...