Iraq vs Chad
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Chad's 19.3M. Iraq is 2.4 times more populous than Chad. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 14.3 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Chad covers 1,284,000 km², 2.9 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 17.3 years higher than Chad's 55.1 years.
IraqChad| Population | +138.5%46.1M | -58.1%19.3M |
| Area | -65.9%438,317 km² | +192.9%1,284,000 km² |
| GDP | +1332.7%$279.6B | -93.0%$19.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +531.6%$6,073.61 | -84.2%$961.56 |
| Life Expectancy | +31.3%72.3 yrs | -23.9%55.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -64.6%20.8 | +182.2%58.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1365.0%15.5% | -93.2%1.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | N'Djamena |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic, French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XAF (Fr) |
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
Iraq is 2.4 times more populous than Chad, with 46.1M residents compared to 19.3M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Chad is a nation of 19.3M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Chad averages 15 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Chad is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 14.3 times larger than Chad's ($19.5B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Chad's GDP per capita of $961.56 is 56% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 6.3 times wealthier than those in Chad.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 55.1 years in Chad, a gap of 17.3 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Chad (55.1 years) is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 58.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chad's infant mortality is 182% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Chad (1,284,000 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Chad borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Chad's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Chad is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Chad belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Chad is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Chad's $19.5B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Chad is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Chad's $961.56 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Chad is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Chad's 1,284,000 km² represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Chad's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 6.3x that of Chad ($961.56). 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
Iraq is 7.0x more densely populated than Chad (105 vs 15 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chad's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 17.3 years longer than those of Chad (72.3 vs 55.1 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
Chad's economy grew at 4.2% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chad has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Chad for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Iraq vs Chad for Budget Travelers
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad 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.
Iraq vs Chad for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad 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.
Iraq vs Chad Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chad can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Chad for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad'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, Iraq or Chad by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Chad's 19.3M. Iraq is 2.4 times more populous than Chad.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Chad?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Chad's $19.5B. Iraq's economy is 14.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Chad?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Chad's 55.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.3 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Chad's is 16.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Chad?
Chad is larger by land area, covering 1,284,000 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Chad is 2.9 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Chad?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Chad recognizes: Arabic, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Chad?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Chad's 8.9%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chad's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Chad better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 58.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chad offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Iraq or Chad cheaper to visit?
Chad is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $961.56 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chad can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specific ca...
Is Iraq or Chad better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chad may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pre...
Is Iraq or Chad more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.3x that of Chad, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Chad offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iraq or Chad better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Chad, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Chad covers 1. Chad's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...