Myanmar vs Iraq
Myanmar has a population of 51.3M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Myanmar is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar covers 676,578 km², 1.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 5.4 years higher than Myanmar's 66.9 years.
MyanmarIraq| Population | +11.3%51.3M | -10.1%46.1M |
| Area | +54.4%676,578 km² | -35.2%438,317 km² |
| GDP | -73.5%$74.1B | +277.5%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -77.6%$1,359.05 | +346.9%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.5%66.9 yrs | +8.1%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +63.9%34.1 | -39.0%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -80.3%3.0% | +408.2%15.5% |
| Capital | Naypyidaw | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Burmese | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | MMK (Ks) | 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
Myanmar is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq, with 51.3M residents compared to 46.1M. Myanmar is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Myanmar averages 76 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Myanmar has grown at 0.74% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Myanmar is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 3.8 times larger than Myanmar's ($74.1B). Myanmar's GDP per capita of $1,359.05 is 88% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 4.5 times wealthier than those in Myanmar.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Myanmar is 66.9 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 5.4 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Myanmar (66.9 years) is 5.1 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Myanmar's infant mortality is 64% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Myanmar (676,578 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Myanmar shares borders with 5 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Myanmar spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Myanmar and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Myanmar and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Myanmar's $1,359.05 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Iraq is in GDP: Myanmar's $74.1B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Myanmar and Iraq is in infant mortality: Myanmar's 34.1 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Myanmar'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 4.5x that of Myanmar ($1,359.05). 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 1.4x more densely populated than Myanmar (105 vs 76 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Myanmar's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 5.4 years longer than those of Myanmar (72.3 vs 66.9 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
Myanmar's economy grew at -1.0% 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
Myanmar vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar 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.
Myanmar vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Myanmar can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Myanmar vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Myanmar'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, Myanmar or Iraq by population?
Myanmar is larger by population, with 51.3M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Myanmar is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Myanmar or Iraq?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Myanmar's $74.1B. Iraq's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Myanmar and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Myanmar's 66.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.4 years. Myanmar's life expectancy is 5.1 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, Myanmar or Iraq?
Myanmar is larger by land area, covering 676,578 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Myanmar is 1.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Myanmar and Iraq?
Myanmar recognizes the following official language: Burmese. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Myanmar or Iraq?
Inflation data is not available for Myanmar. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Myanmar or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 34.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Myanmar offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Myanmar or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Myanmar is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,359.05 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Myanmar can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spe...
Is Myanmar or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Myanmar may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Myanmar or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Myanmar, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Myanmar offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Myanmar or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Myanmar and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Myanmar spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Myanmar's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...