Iraq vs Sweden
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 1.0 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 11.0 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqSweden| Population | +334.9%46.1M | -77.0%10.6M |
| Area | -2.7%438,317 km² | +2.7%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -53.7%$279.6B | +115.9%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -89.4%$6,073.61 | +840.4%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.2%72.3 yrs | +15.2%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +940.0%20.8 | -90.4%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +78.1%15.5% | -43.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Swedish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | SEK (kr) |
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 4.3 times more populous than Sweden, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.6M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 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 Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 2.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 9.4 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 11.0 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 940% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Sweden is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Sweden is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 9.4x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 4.5x more densely populated than Sweden (105 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Iraq (83.3 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
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% 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
Iraq vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 9.4x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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, Iraq or Sweden by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Sweden's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Sweden is 1.0 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Sweden?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Sweden?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Sweden's 2.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sweden's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 h...
Is Iraq or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in speci...
Is Iraq or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 p...
Is Iraq or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 9.4x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...