IraqTunisia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Iraq is 3.9 times more populous than Tunisia. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.4 times larger than Tunisia's ($51.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 2.7 times larger than Tunisia's 163,610 km². Life expectancy in Tunisia stands at 76.5 years, 4.2 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
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Iraq wins
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Tunisia wins
Metric
IraqTunisia| Population | 46.1M | 12.0M |
| Area | 438,317 km² | 163,610 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | $51.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | $4,181.138 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.3 yrs | 76.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.8 | 10.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | 15.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Tunis |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | TND (د.ت) |
Last updated: April 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 3.9 times more populous than Tunisia, with 46.1M residents compared to 12.0M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Tunisia is a nation of 12.0M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Tunisia averages 73 people per km² (moderate). Tunisia has grown at 0.91% 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 Tunisia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.4 times larger than Tunisia's ($51.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Tunisia's GDP per capita of $4,181.138 is 90% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Tunisia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 76.5 years in Tunisia, a gap of 4.2 years. Tunisia (76.5 years) is 4.5 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 96% higher than Tunisia's 10.6.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Tunisia (163,610 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Tunisia borders 2 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Tunisia's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Tunisia is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Tunisia belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Tunisia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Tunisia's $51.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Tunisia is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Tunisia's 12.0M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Tunisia is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km² represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Tunisia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 1.5x that of Tunisia ($4,181.138). 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 Tunisia (105 vs 73 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tunisia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Tunisia live an average of 4.2 years longer than those of Iraq (76.5 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
Tunisia's economy grew at 1.6% 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
Iraq vs Tunisia for Families
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Tunisia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Tunisia for Budget Travelers
Tunisia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,181.138 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tunisia 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 Tunisia for Retirees
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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.
Iraq vs Tunisia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Tunisia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Tunisia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tunisia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Tunisia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Tunisia covers 1. Tunisia'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 Tunisia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Tunisia's 12.0M. Iraq is 3.9 times more populous than Tunisia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Tunisia?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Tunisia's $51.3B. Iraq's economy is 5.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Tunisia?
Tunisia has a higher life expectancy at 76.5 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Tunisia's is 4.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Tunisia?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Tunisia's 163,610 km². Iraq is 2.7 times larger than Tunisia.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Tunisia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Tunisia recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Tunisia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Tunisia's 7.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Tunisia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.1 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Tunisia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tunisia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.6 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 Iraq or Tunisia cheaper to visit?
Tunisia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,181.138 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tunisia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in sp...
Is Iraq or Tunisia better for retirement?
Tunisia's life expectancy of 76.5 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 Iraq or Tunisia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Tunisia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Tunisia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Tunisia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Tunisia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Tunisia covers 1. Tunisia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...