Iraq vs Morocco
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Morocco. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 1.0 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 3.0 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqMorocco| Population | +25.2%46.1M | -20.1%36.8M |
| Area | -1.8%438,317 km² | +1.9%446,550 km² |
| GDP | +74.1%$279.6B | -42.6%$160.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +46.2%$6,073.61 | -31.6%$4,153.194 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.0%72.3 yrs | +4.1%75.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +34.2%20.8 | -25.5%15.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +72.1%15.5% | -41.9%9.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Rabat |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic, Berber |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | MAD (د.م.) |
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 1.3 times more populous than Morocco, with 46.1M residents compared to 36.8M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate). 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 Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 1.7 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 75.3 years in Morocco, a gap of 3.0 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 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 34% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Morocco borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Morocco's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Morocco is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Morocco belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Morocco is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Morocco's $160.6B represents a 43% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Morocco is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Morocco's $4,153.194 represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Morocco is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Morocco'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 1.5x that of Morocco ($4,153.194). 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 1.3x more densely populated than Morocco (105 vs 82 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Morocco's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Morocco live an average of 3.0 years longer than those of Iraq (75.3 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
Morocco's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Morocco for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Morocco's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Morocco for Budget Travelers
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco 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 Morocco for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 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 Morocco Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Morocco can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Morocco for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Morocco covers 1. Morocco'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 Morocco by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Morocco.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Morocco?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Iraq's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Morocco?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Morocco's is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Morocco?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Morocco is 1.0 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Morocco?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Morocco recognizes: Arabic, Berber. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Morocco?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Morocco's 1.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Morocco's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Morocco better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Iraq or Morocco cheaper to visit?
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in sp...
Is Iraq or Morocco better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 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 ...
Is Iraq or Morocco more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Morocco better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Morocco covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...