Iraq vs Yemen
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Yemen. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 1.2 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 3.0 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
IraqYemen| Population | +41.1%46.1M | -29.1%32.7M |
| Area | -17.0%438,317 km² | +20.5%527,968 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +4.4%72.3 yrs | -4.2%69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -40.1%20.8 | +66.8%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -10.6%15.5% | +11.9%17.3% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Sana'a |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | YER (﷼) |
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 Yemen, with 46.1M residents compared to 32.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Yemen has grown at 3.00% 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 Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. Iraq's GDP stands at $279.6B. GDP data is not available for Yemen. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 3.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 67% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Yemen borders 2 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Yemen 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 Yemen is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Yemen is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 29% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Yemen is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Iraq is 1.7x more densely populated than Yemen (105 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Yemen's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Yemen (72.3 vs 69.3 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.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen 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 Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen 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 Yemen for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen 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 Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 Yemen by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Yemen?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Yemen?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Yemen's is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Yemen?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Yemen is 1.2 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Yemen?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Iraq or Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Yemen better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iraq or Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...