Iraq vs Cameroon
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Iraq is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.2 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Cameroon covers 475,442 km², 1.1 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 8.6 years higher than Cameroon's 63.7 years.
IraqCameroon| Population | +56.6%46.1M | -36.2%29.4M |
| Area | -7.8%438,317 km² | +8.5%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +424.7%$279.6B | -80.9%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +231.9%$6,073.61 | -69.9%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.5%72.3 yrs | -11.9%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -49.5%20.8 | +98.1%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +329.9%15.5% | -76.7%3.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Yaoundé |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XAF (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 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon, with 46.1M residents compared to 29.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% 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 Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.2 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 3.3 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 8.6 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 98% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Cameroon (475,442 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Cameroon is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Cameroon belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Cameroon is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Cameroon is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Cameroon's $1,830.008 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Cameroon is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Cameroon's 41.2 per 1,000 represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Cameroon'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 3.3x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). 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 1.7x more densely populated than Cameroon (105 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Cameroon (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
Cameroon's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Cameroon has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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 Cameroon by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Iraq is 1.6 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Cameroon?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Iraq's economy is 5.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Cameroon?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Cameroon's 63.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Cameroon?
Cameroon is larger by land area, covering 475,442 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Cameroon is 1.1 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Cameroon?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Cameroon?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Iraq or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in ...
Is Iraq or Cameroon better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cameroon 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 Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....