Iraq vs Mali
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Iraq is 2.1 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 10.4 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 2.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 11.9 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
IraqMali| Population | +105.9%46.1M | -51.4%22.4M |
| Area | -64.7%438,317 km² | +182.9%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +943.6%$279.6B | -90.4%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +454.9%$6,073.61 | -82.0%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.7%72.3 yrs | -16.4%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -63.9%20.8 | +176.9%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +447.0%15.5% | -81.7%2.8% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Bamako |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.1 times more populous than Mali, with 46.1M residents compared to 22.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 10.4 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 5.5 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 11.9 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 177% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Mali is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Mali is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Mali is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Mali is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 5.5x that of Mali ($1,094.619). 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 5.8x more densely populated than Mali (105 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 11.9 years longer than those of Mali (72.3 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.5x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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 Mali by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Iraq is 2.1 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Mali?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Iraq's economy is 10.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Mali?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.9 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Mali is 2.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Mali?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Mali?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Mali's 3.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mali's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Iraq or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific...
Is Iraq or Mali better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Iraq or Mali more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.5x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iraq or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...