Iran vs Iraq
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Iran is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 3.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 5.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IranIraq| Population | +86.4%86.0M | -46.3%46.1M |
| Area | +276.0%1,648,195 km² | -73.4%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +70.0%$475.3B | -41.2%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -14.5%$5,190.17 | +17.0%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.4%77.7 yrs | -6.9%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.6%10.7 | +94.4%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -46.4%8.3% | +86.5%15.5% |
| Capital | Tehran | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq, with 86.0M residents compared to 46.1M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 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
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% 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 Iraq are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 5.3 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 94% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Iraq is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Iraq is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Iraq is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 1.2x that of Iran ($5,190.17). 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 2.0x more densely populated than Iran (105 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 5.3 years longer than those of Iraq (77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran 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.
Iran vs Iraq for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iran vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iran'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, Iran or Iraq by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Iran is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Iraq?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Iran's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Iraq?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.3 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Iraq?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Iran is 3.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Iraq?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 ha...
Is Iran or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific ...
Is Iran or Iraq better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 pre...
Is Iran or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iran or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...