Iraq vs Niger
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Niger's 26.3M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than Niger. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 14.1 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Niger covers 1,267,000 km², 2.9 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 11.1 years higher than Niger's 61.2 years.
IraqNiger| Population | +75.3%46.1M | -42.9%26.3M |
| Area | -65.4%438,317 km² | +189.1%1,267,000 km² |
| GDP | +1306.9%$279.6B | -92.9%$19.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +726.0%$6,073.61 | -87.9%$735.27 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.2%72.3 yrs | -15.4%61.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.1%20.8 | +224.0%67.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3830.2%15.5% | -97.5%0.4% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Niamey |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XOF (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 1.8 times more populous than Niger, with 46.1M residents compared to 26.3M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Niger is a nation of 26.3M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Niger averages 21 people per km² (sparse). 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 Niger is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 14.1 times larger than Niger's ($19.9B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Niger's GDP per capita of $735.27 is 67% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 8.3 times wealthier than those in Niger.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 61.2 years in Niger, a gap of 11.1 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Niger (61.2 years) is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Niger's infant mortality is 224% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Niger (1,267,000 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Niger borders 7 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Niger's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Niger is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Niger belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Niger is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Niger's $19.9B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Niger is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Niger's $735.27 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Niger is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Niger's 67.4 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Niger'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 8.3x that of Niger ($735.27). 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 5.1x more densely populated than Niger (105 vs 21 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Niger's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 11.1 years longer than those of Niger (72.3 vs 61.2 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
Niger's economy grew at 10.3% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Niger's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Niger for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger 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 Niger for Budget Travelers
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger 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 Niger for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger 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 Niger Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 8.3x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Niger can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Niger for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger'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 Niger by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Niger's 26.3M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than Niger.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Niger?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Niger's $19.9B. Iraq's economy is 14.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Niger?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Niger's 61.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.1 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Niger's is 10.8 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Niger?
Niger is larger by land area, covering 1,267,000 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Niger is 2.9 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Niger?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Niger recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Niger?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Niger's 9.1%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Niger's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.6 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Niger better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 67.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Niger offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Iraq or Niger cheaper to visit?
Niger is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $735.27 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Niger can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific ...
Is Iraq or Niger better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Niger may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iraq or Niger more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 8.3x that of Niger, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Niger offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Niger better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Niger, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Niger covers 1. Niger's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...