Iraq vs Guatemala
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Iraq is 2.6 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 4.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 0.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqGuatemala| Population | +155.1%46.1M | -60.8%18.1M |
| Area | +302.5%438,317 km² | -75.2%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +147.0%$279.6B | -59.5%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -1.2%$6,073.61 | +1.3%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%72.3 yrs | +0.4%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +16.2%20.8 | -13.9%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +494.7%15.5% | -83.2%2.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | GTQ (Q) |
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 2.6 times more populous than Guatemala, with 46.1M residents compared to 18.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% 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 Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.5 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 0.3 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 16% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Guatemala is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Guatemala is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Guatemala's 18.1M represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Guatemala is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.0x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.6x more densely populated than Iraq (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Iraq (72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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 Guatemala Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Guatemala 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 Guatemala by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Iraq is 2.6 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Guatemala?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Iraq's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Guatemala?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Guatemala?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Iraq is 4.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Guatemala?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Guatemala?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 a...
Is Iraq or Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in...
Is Iraq or Guatemala better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, climat...
Is Iraq or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iraq or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...