South Korea vs Iraq
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. South Korea is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 6.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 4.4 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 11.1 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
South KoreaIraq| Population | +10.9%51.2M | -9.9%46.1M |
| Area | -77.1%100,210 km² | +337.4%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +570.6%$1.88T | -85.1%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +496.7%$36,238.64 | -83.2%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.4%83.4 yrs | -13.3%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -88.9%2.3 | +804.3%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -82.7%2.7% | +477.2%15.5% |
| Capital | Seoul | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | 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
South Korea is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq, with 51.2M residents compared to 46.1M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 6.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 South Korea are on average 6.0 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 11.1 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 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 South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Iraq borders 6 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Iraq is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Iraq is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Iraq is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 6.0x 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 South Korea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Korea is 4.9x more densely populated than Iraq (511 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 South Korea live an average of 11.1 years longer than those of Iraq (83.4 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
South Korea's economy grew at 2.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though South Korea has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, South Korea 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 South Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Korea vs Iraq for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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.
South Korea vs Iraq Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, 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 South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea 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, South Korea or Iraq by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. South Korea is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Iraq?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. South Korea's economy is 6.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Iraq?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.1 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 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, South Korea or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Iraq is 4.4 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Iraq?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to South Korea's 2.3%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Korea's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is South Korea or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea 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 ...
Is South Korea 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 South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better valu...
Is South Korea or Iraq better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 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, clim...
Is South Korea or Iraq more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 6.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is South Korea or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...