Iraq vs Bolivia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Iraq is 4.1 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.1 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 2.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 3.7 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
IraqBolivia| Population | +305.8%46.1M | -75.4%11.4M |
| Area | -60.1%438,317 km² | +150.6%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +409.5%$279.6B | -80.4%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +37.4%$6,073.61 | -27.2%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.5%72.3 yrs | -5.2%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +4.0%20.8 | -3.8%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +421.9%15.5% | -80.8%3.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Sucre |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | BOB (Bs.) |
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
Iraq is 4.1 times more populous than Bolivia, with 46.1M residents compared to 11.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.1 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 3.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 4% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Bolivia is located in South America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Bolivia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Bolivia is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Bolivia is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 1.4x that of Bolivia ($4,421.166). 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 10.2x more densely populated than Bolivia (105 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 3.7 years longer than those of Bolivia (72.3 vs 68.6 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
Bolivia's economy grew at -1.1% 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
Iraq vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 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 Bolivia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia 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.
Iraq vs Bolivia for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia 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.
Iraq vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bolivia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia'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, Iraq or Bolivia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Iraq is 4.1 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Bolivia?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Iraq's economy is 5.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Bolivia?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Bolivia is 2.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Bolivia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Bolivia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 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 Iraq or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in sp...
Is Iraq or Bolivia better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia 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 Iraq or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...