Iraq vs Israel
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Iraq is 4.6 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 20.0 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 10.9 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqIsrael| Population | +355.1%46.1M | -78.0%10.1M |
| Area | +1898.1%438,317 km² | -95.0%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -48.3%$279.6B | +93.2%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -88.8%$6,073.61 | +792.0%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.1%72.3 yrs | +15.0%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +670.4%20.8 | -87.0%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +343.8%15.5% | -77.5%3.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | ILS (₪) |
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 4.6 times more populous than Israel, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). Israel has grown at 2.03% 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 Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 1.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 8.9 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 10.9 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 670% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 20.0 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Israel are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Israel is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Israel is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Israel is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 8.9x 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 Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 4.4x more densely populated than Iraq (462 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 Israel live an average of 10.9 years longer than those of Iraq (83.2 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
Israel's economy grew at 0.9% 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 Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.9x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, 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 Israel's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Iraq is 4.6 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Israel's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.9 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Israel?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Iraq is 20.0 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Israel?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Israel?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 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 Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in speci...
Is Iraq or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.9x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...