Iran vs Angola
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Angola's 36.2M. Iran is 2.4 times more populous than Angola. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.3 times larger than Angola's 1,246,700 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 13.0 years higher than Angola's 64.6 years.
IranAngola| Population | +137.7%86.0M | -57.9%36.2M |
| Area | +32.2%1,648,195 km² | -24.4%1,246,700 km² |
| GDP | +370.6%$475.3B | -78.7%$101.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +94.7%$5,190.17 | -48.6%$2,665.874 |
| Life Expectancy | +20.2%77.7 yrs | -16.8%64.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -72.1%10.7 | +257.9%38.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -41.2%8.3% | +70.0%14.1% |
| Capital | Tehran | Luanda |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Portuguese |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | AOA (Kz) |
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
Iran is 2.4 times more populous than Angola, with 86.0M residents compared to 36.2M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Angola is a nation of 36.2M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Angola averages 29 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 4.7 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Angola.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 64.6 years in Angola, a gap of 13.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 38.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Angola's infant mortality is 258% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Angola (1,246,700 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Angola borders 4 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Angola's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Angola is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Angola belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Angola is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Angola's $101.0B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Angola is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Angola's 38.3 per 1,000 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Angola is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Angola's 36.2M represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Angola's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.9x that of Angola ($2,665.874). 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
Iran is 1.8x more densely populated than Angola (52 vs 29 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Angola's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 13.0 years longer than those of Angola (77.7 vs 64.6 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
Angola's economy grew at 4.4% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Angola has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Angola for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola 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.
Iran vs Angola for Budget Travelers
Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola 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.
Iran vs Angola for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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.
Iran vs Angola Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Angola can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Angola for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola'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, Iran or Angola by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Angola's 36.2M. Iran is 2.4 times more populous than Angola.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Angola?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Angola's $101.0B. Iran's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Angola?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Angola's 64.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Angola's is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Angola?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Angola's 1,246,700 km². Iran is 1.3 times larger than Angola.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Angola?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Angola recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Angola?
Angola has lower inflation at 28.2%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Angola's inflation is severely elevated at 28.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Angola better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Iran or Angola cheaper to visit?
Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in spec...
Is Iran or Angola better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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 Iran or Angola more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iran or Angola better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...