NigeriaIraq
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Nigeria is 4.9 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 2.1 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 17.9 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
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Iraq wins
Metric
NigeriaIraq| Population | 223.8M | 46.1M |
| Area | 923,768 km² | 438,317 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | $279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | $6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | 54.5 yrs | 72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 60.1 | 20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.1% | 15.5% |
| Capital | Abuja | Baghdad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | IQD (ع.د) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 4.9 times more populous than Iraq, with 223.8M residents compared to 46.1M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 1.1 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Iraq are on average 5.6 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 17.9 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 189% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Iraq is located in Asia. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iraq is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iraq is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 5.6x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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
Nigeria is 2.3x more densely populated than Iraq (242 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 Iraq live an average of 17.9 years longer than those of Nigeria (72.3 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Iraq by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Nigeria is 4.9 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Iraq?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Iraq's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.9 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Iraq?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Nigeria is 2.1 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Iraq?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Nigeria or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spe...
Is Nigeria or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Nigeria or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...