Vietnam vs Iraq
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Vietnam is 2.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.3 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 2.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
VietnamIraq| Population | +119.7%101.3M | -54.5%46.1M |
| Area | -24.4%331,212 km² | +32.3%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +70.4%$476.4B | -41.3%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -22.3%$4,717.29 | +28.8%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.1%74.6 yrs | -3.0%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -32.7%14.0 | +48.6%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -90.2%1.5% | +916.7%15.5% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | 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
Vietnam is 2.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 101.3M residents compared to 46.1M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% 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 1.3 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 2.3 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 49% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam 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 Vietnam and Iraq is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Iraq is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 41% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Iraq is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-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 1.3x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). 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
Vietnam is 2.9x more densely populated than Iraq (306 vs 105 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iraq's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 2.3 years longer than those of Iraq (74.6 vs 72.3 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.
Economic Momentum
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs Iraq for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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.
Vietnam vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Vietnam'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, Vietnam or Iraq by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Vietnam is 2.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Iraq?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Vietnam's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Iraq?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Iraq is 1.3 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Iraq?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Vietnam or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spe...
Is Vietnam or Iraq better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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 Vietnam or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Vietnam or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...