Iraq vs Dominican Republic
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 9.0 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 1.4 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
| Population | +328.2%46.1M | -76.6%10.8M |
| Area | +800.6%438,317 km² | -88.9%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +125.0%$279.6B | -55.6%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.2%$6,073.61 | +79.1%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.9%72.3 yrs | +1.9%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -26.8%20.8 | +36.5%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +204.1%15.5% | -67.1%5.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | DOP ($) |
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 4.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.8M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.3 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 1.4 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 37% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 9.0 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Dominican Republic is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Dominican Republic is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 1.8x that of Iraq ($6,073.61). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 2.1x more densely populated than Iraq (221 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 Dominican Republic live an average of 1.4 years longer than those of Iraq (73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iraq can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Iraq'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 Dominican Republic by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Dominican Republic?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Iraq's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.4 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Dominican Republic?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Iraq is 9.0 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Dominican Republic?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Dominican Republic?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Iraq or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may off...
Is Iraq or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 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 acces...
Is Iraq or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Iraq or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...