Iraq vs Uzbekistan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Uzbekistan's 37.9M. Iraq is 1.2 times more populous than Uzbekistan. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Uzbekistan's ($115.0B). Uzbekistan covers 447,400 km², 1.0 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Uzbekistan stands at 72.4 years, 0.1 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqUzbekistan| Population | +21.8%46.1M | -17.9%37.9M |
| Area | -2.0%438,317 km² | +2.1%447,400 km² |
| GDP | +143.2%$279.6B | -58.9%$115.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +92.1%$6,073.61 | -47.9%$3,161.7 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.1%72.3 yrs | +0.1%72.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +63.8%20.8 | -38.9%12.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +235.0%15.5% | -70.2%4.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Tashkent |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Russian, Uzbek |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | UZS (so'm) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Uzbekistan, with 46.1M residents compared to 37.9M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Uzbekistan is a nation of 37.9M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Uzbekistan averages 85 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 Uzbekistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.4 times larger than Uzbekistan's ($115.0B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Uzbekistan's GDP per capita of $3,161.7 is 72% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Uzbekistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 72.4 years in Uzbekistan, a gap of 0.1 years. Uzbekistan (72.4 years) is at 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 64% higher than Uzbekistan's 12.7.
Geographic Comparison
Uzbekistan (447,400 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Uzbekistan borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Uzbekistan's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Uzbekistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Central Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Uzbekistan is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Uzbekistan's $115.0B represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Uzbekistan is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Uzbekistan's $3,161.7 represents a 48% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Uzbekistan is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Uzbekistan's 12.7 per 1,000 represents a 39% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Uzbekistan'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 1.9x that of Uzbekistan ($3,161.7). 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 1.2x more densely populated than Uzbekistan (105 vs 85 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Uzbekistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Uzbekistan live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Iraq (72.4 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
Uzbekistan's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Uzbekistan's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Uzbekistan for Families
For family travel, Uzbekistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.7 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 Uzbekistan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Uzbekistan for Budget Travelers
Uzbekistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,161.7 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uzbekistan 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 Uzbekistan for Retirees
Uzbekistan's life expectancy of 72.4 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 Uzbekistan Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Uzbekistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Uzbekistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Uzbekistan can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Uzbekistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Uzbekistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Uzbekistan covers 1. Uzbekistan'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 Uzbekistan by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Uzbekistan's 37.9M. Iraq is 1.2 times more populous than Uzbekistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Uzbekistan?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Uzbekistan's $115.0B. Iraq's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has a higher life expectancy at 72.4 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Uzbekistan's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is larger by land area, covering 447,400 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Uzbekistan is 1.0 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Uzbekistan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Uzbekistan recognizes: Russian, Uzbek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Uzbekistan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Uzbekistan's 9.6%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Uzbekistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.8 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Uzbekistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Uzbekistan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.7 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 countr...
Is Iraq or Uzbekistan cheaper to visit?
Uzbekistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,161.7 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uzbekistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value i...
Is Iraq or Uzbekistan better for retirement?
Uzbekistan's life expectancy of 72.4 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, clima...
Is Iraq or Uzbekistan more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Uzbekistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Uzbekistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iraq or Uzbekistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Uzbekistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Uzbekistan covers 1. Uzbekistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...