Kenya vs Iraq
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Kenya is 1.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 1.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 8.7 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaIraq| Population | +15.6%53.3M | -13.5%46.1M |
| Area | +32.4%580,367 km² | -24.5%438,317 km² |
| GDP | -57.0%$120.3B | +132.4%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -64.9%$2,132.435 | +184.8%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.0%63.6 yrs | +13.6%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +66.8%34.7 | -40.1%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -64.8%5.4% | +184.2%15.5% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Baghdad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Kenya is 1.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 53.3M residents compared to 46.1M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.3 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 8.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 67% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Iraq is located in Asia. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Iraq is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Iraq is in infant mortality: Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 2.8x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). 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 1.1x more densely populated than Kenya (105 vs 92 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kenya'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 Kenya (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
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Iraq 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. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Kenya'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, Kenya or Iraq by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Kenya is 1.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Iraq?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Iraq's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Iraq?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Kenya is 1.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Iraq?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Iraq 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. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Kenya or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specif...
Is Kenya or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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 Kenya or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Kenya or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...