Iran vs Peru
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Iran is 2.5 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.3 times larger than Peru's 1,285,216 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 0.1 years higher than Iran's 77.7 years.
IranPeru| Population | +150.2%86.0M | -60.0%34.4M |
| Area | +28.2%1,648,195 km² | -22.0%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | +64.3%$475.3B | -39.1%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -38.6%$5,190.17 | +62.9%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.1%77.7 yrs | +0.1%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.7%10.7 | +26.2%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +62.2%8.3% | -38.4%5.1% |
| Capital | Tehran | Lima |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | PEN (S/ ) |
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 2.5 times more populous than Peru, with 86.0M residents compared to 34.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). 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 Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.6 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 0.1 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 26% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Peru (1,285,216 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Peru is located in South America. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Peru is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Peru is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Peru's $289.2B represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Peru is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.6x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.0x more densely populated than Peru (52 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Iran (77.7 vs 77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru 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 Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru 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 Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran 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 Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Iran vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Peru 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 Peru by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Iran is 2.5 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Peru?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Iran's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Iran's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Peru?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Peru's 1,285,216 km². Iran is 1.3 times larger than Peru.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Peru?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Peru'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 Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Iran or Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific ...
Is Iran or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iran 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 Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iran or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...