Indonesia vs Iraq
Indonesia has a population of 284.4M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 4.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 1.2 years higher than Indonesia's 71.1 years.
IndonesiaIraq| Population | +516.8%284.4M | -83.8%46.1M |
| Area | +334.5%1,904,569 km² | -77.0%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +399.3%$1.40T | -80.0%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -18.9%$4,925.43 | +23.3%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.6%71.1 yrs | +1.7%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -18.3%17.0 | +22.4%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -79.1%3.2% | +378.4%15.5% |
| Capital | Jakarta | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Indonesian | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | IDR (Rp) | 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
Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq, with 284.4M residents compared to 46.1M. Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Indonesia has grown at 0.95% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 5.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% 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 1.2 times wealthier than those in Indonesia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Indonesia is 71.1 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 1.2 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 22% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 4.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Indonesia shares borders with 3 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Indonesia spans 3 timezones, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Indonesia 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 Indonesia and Iraq is in population: Indonesia's 284.4M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Indonesia and Iraq is in GDP: Indonesia's $1.40T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Indonesia and Iraq is in land area: Indonesia's 1,904,569 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Indonesia's upper-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 1.2x that of Indonesia ($4,925.43). 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
Indonesia is 1.4x more densely populated than Iraq (149 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 1.2 years longer than those of Indonesia (72.3 vs 71.1 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
Indonesia's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Indonesia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Indonesia vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Indonesia vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia 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.
Indonesia vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia 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.
Indonesia vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Indonesia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Indonesia vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Indonesia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Indonesia spans 3 timezones while Iraq covers 1. Indonesia'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, Indonesia or Iraq by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Indonesia is 6.2 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Indonesia or Iraq?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Indonesia's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Indonesia and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Indonesia's 71.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.2 years. Indonesia's life expectancy is 0.9 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, Indonesia or Iraq?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Indonesia is 4.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Indonesia and Iraq?
Indonesia recognizes the following official language: Indonesian. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Indonesia or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Indonesia's 2.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Indonesia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Indonesia or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 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 countri...
Is Indonesia or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Indonesia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,925.43 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Indonesia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in...
Is Indonesia or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Indonesia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Indonesia or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Indonesia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Indonesia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Indonesia or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Indonesia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Indonesia spans 3 timezones while Iraq covers 1. Indonesia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...