Iran vs Papua New Guinea
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Iran is 7.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 14.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 3.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 11.5 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
IranPapua New Guinea| Population | +629.6%86.0M | -86.3%11.8M |
| Area | +256.1%1,648,195 km² | -71.9%462,840 km² |
| GDP | +1394.5%$475.3B | -93.3%$31.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +72.6%$5,190.17 | -42.1%$3,006.706 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.4%77.7 yrs | -14.8%66.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.6%10.7 | +199.1%32.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +222.9%8.3% | -69.0%2.6% |
| Capital | Tehran | Port Moresby |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | PGK (K) |
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
Iran is 7.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea, with 86.0M residents compared to 11.8M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse). Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 14.9 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 66.1 years in Papua New Guinea, a gap of 11.5 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 199% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Papua New Guinea borders 1 country. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Papua New Guinea's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Papua New Guinea is located in Oceania. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Papua New Guinea belongs to Oceania (Melanesia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Papua New Guinea is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Papua New Guinea is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Papua New Guinea is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Papua New Guinea's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.7x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.0x more densely populated than Papua New Guinea (52 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Papua New Guinea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 11.5 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (77.7 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Papua New Guinea for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Papua New Guinea for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Papua New Guinea for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Iran vs Papua New Guinea Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Papua New Guinea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Iran or Papua New Guinea by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Papua New Guinea's 11.8M. Iran is 7.3 times more populous than Papua New Guinea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Papua New Guinea?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Iran's economy is 14.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Papua New Guinea?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.5 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea's is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Papua New Guinea?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Iran is 3.6 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Papua New Guinea?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Papua New Guinea recognizes: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Papua New Guinea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Papua New Guinea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both ...
Is Iran or Papua New Guinea cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer ...
Is Iran or Papua New Guinea better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Iran or Papua New Guinea more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is Iran or Papua New Guinea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Papua New Guinea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Papua New Guinea covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive for s...