Thailand vs Iraq
Thailand has a population of 65.9M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Thailand is 1.4 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Thailand ($526.5B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Thailand covers 513,120 km², 1.2 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Thailand stands at 76.4 years, 4.1 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
ThailandIraq| Population | +42.8%65.9M | -30.0%46.1M |
| Area | +17.1%513,120 km² | -14.6%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +88.3%$526.5B | -46.9%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +21.0%$7,346.62 | -17.3%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%76.4 yrs | -5.3%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -61.5%8.0 | +160.0%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -95.0%0.8% | +1882.7%15.5% |
| Capital | Bangkok | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Thai | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | THB (฿) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Thailand is 1.4 times more populous than Iraq, with 65.9M residents compared to 46.1M. Thailand is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Thailand averages 128 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Thailand is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Thailand economy ($526.5B) is 1.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Thailand's GDP per capita of $7,346.62 is 34% below 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 Thailand are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Thailand is 76.4 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 4.1 years. Thailand (76.4 years) is 4.4 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 160% higher than Thailand's 8.0.
Geographic Comparison
Thailand (513,120 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Thailand shares borders with 4 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Thailand spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Thailand and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Thailand and Iraq is in infant mortality: Thailand's 8.0 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Thailand and Iraq is in GDP: Thailand's $526.5B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 47% gap. The most significant difference between Thailand and Iraq is in population: Thailand's 65.9M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 30% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Thailand's upper-middle-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Thailand has a GDP per capita of $7,346.62, which is 1.2x 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 Thailand is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Thailand is 1.2x more densely populated than Iraq (128 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 Thailand live an average of 4.1 years longer than those of Iraq (76.4 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
Thailand's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Thailand has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Thailand vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Thailand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.0 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 Thailand's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Thailand 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 Thailand. However, Thailand may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Thailand vs Iraq for Retirees
Thailand's life expectancy of 76.4 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.
Thailand vs Iraq Cost of Living
Thailand's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Thailand, 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 Thailand's smaller cities.
Thailand vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Thailand and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Thailand 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, Thailand or Iraq by population?
Thailand is larger by population, with 65.9M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Thailand is 1.4 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Thailand or Iraq?
Thailand has the higher GDP at $526.5B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Thailand's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Thailand and Iraq?
Thailand has a higher life expectancy at 76.4 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.1 years. Thailand's life expectancy is 4.4 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, Thailand or Iraq?
Thailand is larger by land area, covering 513,120 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Thailand is 1.2 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Thailand and Iraq?
Thailand recognizes the following official language: Thai. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Thailand or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Thailand's 1.4%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Thailand's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Thailand or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Thailand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.0 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...
Is Thailand 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 Thailand. However, Thailand may offer better value in s...
Is Thailand or Iraq better for retirement?
Thailand's life expectancy of 76.4 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...
Is Thailand or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Thailand's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Thailand, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Thailand or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Thailand and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Thailand spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...