Bangladesh vs Iraq
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Bangladesh is 3.7 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.0 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 2.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
BangladeshIraq| Population | +268.2%169.8M | -72.8%46.1M |
| Area | -66.3%147,570 km² | +197.0%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +61.0%$450.1B | -37.9%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -57.3%$2,593.416 | +134.2%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.2%74.7 yrs | -3.1%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +17.3%24.4 | -14.8%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -75.6%3.8% | +309.9%15.5% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | 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
Bangladesh is 3.7 times more populous than Iraq, with 169.8M residents compared to 46.1M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 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
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 1.6 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% 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 2.3 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 2.3 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 17% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iraq is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iraq is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh'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 2.3x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). 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
Bangladesh is 10.9x more densely populated than Iraq (1151 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 Bangladesh live an average of 2.3 years longer than those of Iraq (74.7 vs 72.3 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
Bangladesh's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Bangladesh has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh 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.
Bangladesh vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh 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.
Bangladesh vs Iraq for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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.
Bangladesh vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Bangladesh or Iraq by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Bangladesh is 3.7 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Iraq?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Bangladesh's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Iraq?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.3 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 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, Bangladesh or Iraq?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Iraq is 3.0 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Iraq?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Bangladesh or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value...
Is Bangladesh or Iraq better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 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, clima...
Is Bangladesh or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Bangladesh or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...