Philippines vs Iran
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Philippines is 1.3 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 4.8 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 7.8 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesIran| Population | +32.8%114.1M | -24.7%86.0M |
| Area | -79.2%342,353 km² | +381.4%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -2.9%$461.6B | +3.0%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -23.2%$3,984.832 | +30.2%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.1%69.8 yrs | +11.2%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +106.5%22.1 | -51.6%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -73.1%2.2% | +271.4%8.3% |
| Capital | Manila | Tehran |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | IRR (﷼) |
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
Philippines is 1.3 times more populous than Iran, with 114.1M residents compared to 86.0M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.0 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Philippines.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 7.8 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Philippines's infant mortality is 107% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 4.8 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Both Philippines and Iran are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Iran is in land area: Philippines's 342,353 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km² represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Iran is in infant mortality: Philippines's 22.1 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Iran is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Iran's 86.0M represents a 25% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Iran's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.3x that of Philippines ($3,984.832). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 6.4x more densely populated than Iran (333 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 7.8 years longer than those of Philippines (77.7 vs 69.8 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Iran for Budget Travelers
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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.
Philippines vs Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Philippines can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Philippines'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, Philippines or Iran by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Philippines is 1.3 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Philippines's $461.6B. Iran's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.8 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iran's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Philippines or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Iran is 4.8 times larger than Philippines.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Iran?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Iran?
Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Philippines's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Philippines or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Philippines or Iran cheaper to visit?
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better val...
Is Philippines or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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 Philippines or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Philippines or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...