Iraq vs Indonesia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Indonesia's 284.4M. Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 4.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 1.2 years higher than Indonesia's 71.1 years.
IraqIndonesia| Population | -83.8%46.1M | +516.8%284.4M |
| Area | -77.0%438,317 km² | +334.5%1,904,569 km² |
| GDP | -80.0%$279.6B | +399.3%$1.40T |
| GDP Per Capita | +23.3%$6,073.61 | -18.9%$4,925.43 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.7%72.3 yrs | -1.6%71.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +22.4%20.8 | -18.3%17.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +378.4%15.5% | -79.1%3.2% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Jakarta |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Indonesian |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | IDR (Rp) |
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
Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 284.4M residents compared to 46.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate). Indonesia has grown at 0.95% 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 Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 5.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Indonesia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 71.1 years in Indonesia, a gap of 1.2 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 22% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 4.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Indonesia borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Indonesia's 3 timezones. Both Iraq and Indonesia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Indonesia is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Indonesia's 284.4M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Indonesia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Indonesia's $1.40T represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Indonesia is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Indonesia's 1,904,569 km² represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Indonesia'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 1.2x that of Indonesia ($4,925.43). 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
Indonesia is 1.4x more densely populated than Iraq (149 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 Iraq live an average of 1.2 years longer than those of Indonesia (72.3 vs 71.1 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
Indonesia's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Indonesia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Indonesia for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Indonesia for Budget Travelers
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia 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 Indonesia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Indonesia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Indonesia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Indonesia'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 Indonesia by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Indonesia?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Indonesia's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Indonesia?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Indonesia's 71.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia's is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Indonesia?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Indonesia is 4.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Indonesia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Indonesia recognizes: Indonesian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Indonesia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Indonesia's 2.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Indonesia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Indonesia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Iraq or Indonesia cheaper to visit?
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in...
Is Iraq or Indonesia better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Iraq or Indonesia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iraq or Indonesia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Indonesia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...