Philippines vs Iraq
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Philippines is 2.5 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.3 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 2.5 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesIraq| Population | +147.5%114.1M | -59.6%46.1M |
| Area | -21.9%342,353 km² | +28.0%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +65.1%$461.6B | -39.4%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -34.4%$3,984.832 | +52.4%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.4%69.8 yrs | +3.6%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +6.3%22.1 | -5.9%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -85.6%2.2% | +592.8%15.5% |
| Capital | Manila | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | 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
Philippines is 2.5 times more populous than Iraq, with 114.1M residents compared to 46.1M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 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 Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 1.7 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below 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 Iraq are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Philippines.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 2.5 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at 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 6% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Philippines and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Philippines and Iraq is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Iraq is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-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 1.5x 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 Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 3.2x more densely populated than Iraq (333 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 2.5 years longer than those of Philippines (72.3 vs 69.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Iraq 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 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.
Philippines vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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 Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, 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 Iraq's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Iraq 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 Iraq by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Philippines is 2.5 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Iraq?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Philippines's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.5 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 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, Philippines or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Iraq is 1.3 times larger than Philippines.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Iraq?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Philippines's 3.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Philippines's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Philippines or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 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 Iraq 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 Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better val...
Is Philippines or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 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 Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Philippines or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...