RussiaIraq
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Russia is 3.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 7.8 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 39.0 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 0.9 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
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Iraq wins
Metric
RussiaIraq| Population | 146.0M | 46.1M |
| Area | 17,098,246 km² | 438,317 km² |
| GDP | $2.17T | $279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $14,889.019 | $6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | 73.3 yrs | 72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 3.7 | 20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.1% | 15.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Baghdad |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | 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
Russia is 3.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 146.0M residents compared to 46.1M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 7.8 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Russia are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 0.9 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 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 462% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 39.0 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Russia and Iraq are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Iraq is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Iraq is in GDP: Russia's $2.17T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Iraq is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 2.5x 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 Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 12.3x more densely populated than Russia (105 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 0.9 years longer than those of Iraq (73.3 vs 72.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Iraq for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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.
Russia vs Iraq Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, 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 Russia's smaller cities.
Russia vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones 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, Russia or Iraq by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Russia is 3.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Iraq?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Russia's economy is 7.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Iraq?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.9 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 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, Russia or Iraq?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Russia is 39.0 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Iraq?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Russia or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Russia 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 Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in speci...
Is Russia or Iraq better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 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 p...
Is Russia or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Russia or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...