Iraq vs Mozambique
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Mozambique. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 12.3 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Mozambique covers 801,590 km², 1.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 8.7 years higher than Mozambique's 63.6 years.
IraqMozambique| Population | +35.3%46.1M | -26.1%34.1M |
| Area | -45.3%438,317 km² | +82.9%801,590 km² |
| GDP | +1129.4%$279.6B | -91.9%$22.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +824.8%$6,073.61 | -89.2%$656.777 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.7%72.3 yrs | -12.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -54.2%20.8 | +118.3%45.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +133.6%15.5% | -57.2%6.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Maputo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Portuguese |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | MZN (MT) |
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 1.4 times more populous than Mozambique, with 46.1M residents compared to 34.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Mozambique is a nation of 34.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Mozambique averages 43 people per km² (sparse). Mozambique has grown at 2.99% 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 Mozambique is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 12.3 times larger than Mozambique's ($22.7B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Mozambique's GDP per capita of $656.777 is 70% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 9.2 times wealthier than those in Mozambique.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 63.6 years in Mozambique, a gap of 8.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 45.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mozambique's infant mortality is 118% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mozambique (801,590 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Mozambique borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Mozambique's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Mozambique is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Mozambique belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Mozambique is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Mozambique's $22.7B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Mozambique is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Mozambique's $656.777 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Mozambique is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Mozambique's 45.4 per 1,000 represents a 54% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Mozambique'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 9.2x that of Mozambique ($656.777). 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 2.5x more densely populated than Mozambique (105 vs 43 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mozambique's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 8.7 years longer than those of Mozambique (72.3 vs 63.6 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
Mozambique's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mozambique has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Mozambique for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique 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 Mozambique for Budget Travelers
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique 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 Mozambique for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique 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 Mozambique Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 9.2x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mozambique can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Mozambique for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique'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 Mozambique by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Mozambique's 34.1M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Mozambique.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Mozambique?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Mozambique's $22.7B. Iraq's economy is 12.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Mozambique?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Mozambique's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Mozambique's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Mozambique?
Mozambique is larger by land area, covering 801,590 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Mozambique is 1.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Mozambique?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Mozambique recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Mozambique?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Mozambique's 4.1%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mozambique's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Mozambique better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 45.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mozambique offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Iraq or Mozambique cheaper to visit?
Mozambique is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $656.777 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mozambique can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value i...
Is Iraq or Mozambique better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mozambique may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Iraq or Mozambique more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 9.2x that of Mozambique, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Mozambique offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iraq or Mozambique better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Mozambique, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Mozambique covers 1. Mozambique's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...