Iraq vs Burundi
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Iraq is 3.7 times more populous than Burundi. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 90.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 15.7 times larger than Burundi's 27,834 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 8.7 years higher than Burundi's 63.7 years.
IraqBurundi| Population | +274.0%46.1M | -73.3%12.3M |
| Area | +1474.8%438,317 km² | -93.6%27,834 km² |
| GDP | +8972.1%$279.6B | -98.9%$3.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2668.0%$6,073.61 | -96.4%$219.425 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.6%72.3 yrs | -12.0%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -34.0%20.8 | +51.4%31.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1579.5%15.5% | -94.0%0.9% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Gitega |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French, Kirundi |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | BIF (Fr) |
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
Iraq is 3.7 times more populous than Burundi, with 46.1M residents compared to 12.3M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Burundi is a nation of 12.3M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Burundi averages 443 people per km² (dense). Burundi has grown at 2.75% 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 Burundi is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 90.7 times larger than Burundi's ($3.1B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Burundi's GDP per capita of $219.425 is 90% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 27.7 times wealthier than those in Burundi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Burundi, a gap of 8.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Burundi (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Burundi's infant mortality is 51% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 15.7 times larger by land area than Burundi (27,834 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Burundi borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Burundi's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Burundi is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Burundi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Burundi is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Burundi's $3.1B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Burundi is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Burundi's $219.425 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Burundi is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Burundi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 27.7x that of Burundi ($219.425). 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
Burundi is 4.2x more densely populated than Iraq (443 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 8.7 years longer than those of Burundi (72.3 vs 63.7 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
Burundi's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Burundi has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Burundi for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Iraq vs Burundi for Budget Travelers
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi 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 Burundi for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 27.7x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Burundi can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Burundi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi'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 Burundi by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Burundi's 12.3M. Iraq is 3.7 times more populous than Burundi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Burundi?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Burundi's $3.1B. Iraq's economy is 90.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Burundi?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Burundi's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Burundi's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Burundi?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Burundi's 27,834 km². Iraq is 15.7 times larger than Burundi.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Burundi?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Burundi recognizes: French, Kirundi. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Burundi?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Burundi's 20.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Burundi's rate is severely elevated at 20.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iraq or Burundi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 31.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Burundi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Iraq or Burundi cheaper to visit?
Burundi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $219.425 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Burundi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Burundi better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Burundi 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 Burundi more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 27.7x that of Burundi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Burundi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Iraq or Burundi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Burundi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Burundi covers 1. Burundi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...