Italy vs Iraq
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Italy is 1.3 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 8.5 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.5 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 11.4 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
ItalyIraq| Population | +27.8%58.9M | -21.7%46.1M |
| Area | -31.3%301,336 km² | +45.5%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +751.4%$2.38T | -88.3%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +564.9%$40,385.341 | -85.0%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.7%83.7 yrs | -13.6%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -88.9%2.3 | +804.3%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -58.7%6.4% | +142.3%15.5% |
| Capital | Rome | Baghdad |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Italy is 1.3 times more populous than Iraq, with 58.9M residents compared to 46.1M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 8.5 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 6.6 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 11.4 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 804% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Iraq is located in Asia. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Iraq is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Iraq is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 6.6x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 1.9x more densely populated than Iraq (196 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 Italy live an average of 11.4 years longer than those of Iraq (83.7 vs 72.3 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
Italy's economy grew at 0.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Iraq 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Iraq for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Iraq Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Iraq 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, Italy or Iraq by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Italy is 1.3 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Iraq?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Italy's economy is 8.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Iraq?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.4 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Iraq is 1.5 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Iraq?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Italy's 1.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Italy's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 attrac...
Is Italy or Iraq 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specifi...
Is Italy or Iraq better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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 pr...
Is Italy or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Italy or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...