Iraq vs Ghana
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 3.4 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.8 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 6.8 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
IraqGhana| Population | +36.7%46.1M | -26.8%33.7M |
| Area | +83.8%438,317 km² | -45.6%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +239.7%$279.6B | -70.6%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +154.0%$6,073.61 | -60.6%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.4%72.3 yrs | -9.4%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -26.2%20.8 | +35.6%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +419.8%15.5% | -80.8%3.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Accra |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | GHS (₵) |
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 1.4 times more populous than Ghana, with 46.1M residents compared to 33.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 3.4 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 6.8 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 36% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Ghana is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Ghana is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Ghana is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Ghana's $2,390.772 represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Ghana is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 46% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 2.5x that of Ghana ($2,390.772). 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
Ghana is 1.3x more densely populated than Iraq (141 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 6.8 years longer than those of Ghana (72.3 vs 65.5 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
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana 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.
Iraq vs Ghana for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana 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 Ghana for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana 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 Ghana Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ghana can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana'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 Ghana by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Iraq is 1.4 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Ghana?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Iraq's economy is 3.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Ghana?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.8 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Ghana?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Iraq is 1.8 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Ghana?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Ghana?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Ghana's 22.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ghana's rate is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iraq or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Iraq or Ghana cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specif...
Is Iraq or Ghana better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iraq or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...