Iraq vs Greece
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Iraq is 4.4 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.3 times larger than Greece's 131,990 km². Life expectancy in Greece stands at 81.5 years, 9.2 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqGreece| Population | +343.4%46.1M | -77.4%10.4M |
| Area | +232.1%438,317 km² | -69.9%131,990 km² |
| GDP | +9.1%$279.6B | -8.4%$256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -75.3%$6,073.61 | +305.5%$24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.3%72.3 yrs | +12.7%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +550.0%20.8 | -84.6%3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +81.3%15.5% | -44.8%8.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Athens |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Greek |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | EUR (€) |
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 4.4 times more populous than Greece, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). Greece has grown at -0.52% 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 Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 1.1 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Greece are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 9.2 years. Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 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 550% higher than Greece's 3.2.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Greece (131,990 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Greece borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Greece is located in Europe. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Greece belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Greece is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Greece's 3.2 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Greece is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Greece's 10.4M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Greece is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Greece's $24,626.148 represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Greece's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Greece has a GDP per capita of $24,626.148, which is 4.1x 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 Greece is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.3x more densely populated than Greece (105 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Greece's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Greece live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Iraq (81.5 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
Greece's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Greece has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Greece's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece 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 Greece for Retirees
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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.
Iraq vs Greece Cost of Living
Greece's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, 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 Greece's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Greece 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, Iraq or Greece by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Iraq is 4.4 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Greece?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Greece's $256.2B. Iraq's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Greece?
Greece has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Greece?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km². Iraq is 3.3 times larger than Greece.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Greece?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Greece?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Greece's 2.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Greece's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Greece generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.2 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Iraq or Greece 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 Greece. However, Greece may offer better value in speci...
Is Iraq or Greece better for retirement?
Greece's life expectancy of 81.5 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 Iraq or Greece more expensive to live in?
Greece's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Greece, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...