Iraq vs Nepal
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Nepal. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 6.5 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.0 times larger than Nepal's 147,181 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 2.0 years higher than Nepal's 70.4 years.
IraqNepal| Population | +54.2%46.1M | -35.1%29.9M |
| Area | +197.8%438,317 km² | -66.4%147,181 km² |
| GDP | +551.6%$279.6B | -84.7%$42.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +319.6%$6,073.61 | -76.2%$1,447.31 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.8%72.3 yrs | -2.7%70.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -10.7%20.8 | +12.0%23.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +48.0%15.5% | -32.4%10.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Kathmandu |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Nepali |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | NPR (₨) |
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 1.5 times more populous than Nepal, with 46.1M residents compared to 29.9M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Nepal is a nation of 29.9M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Nepal averages 203 people per km² (dense). 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 Nepal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 6.5 times larger than Nepal's ($42.9B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Nepal's GDP per capita of $1,447.31 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 4.2 times wealthier than those in Nepal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 70.4 years in Nepal, a gap of 2.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Nepal (70.4 years) is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 23.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nepal's infant mortality is 12% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.0 times larger by land area than Nepal (147,181 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Nepal borders 2 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Nepal's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Nepal are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Nepal is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Nepal's $42.9B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Nepal is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Nepal's $1,447.31 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Nepal is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km² represents a 66% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Nepal'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 4.2x that of Nepal ($1,447.31). 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
Nepal is 1.9x more densely populated than Iraq (203 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 2.0 years longer than those of Nepal (72.3 vs 70.4 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
Nepal's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nepal has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Nepal for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 23.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nepal 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 Nepal for Budget Travelers
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal 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 Nepal for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nepal 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 Nepal Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nepal can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Nepal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Nepal covers 1. Nepal'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 Nepal by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Nepal's 29.9M. Iraq is 1.5 times more populous than Nepal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Nepal?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Nepal's $42.9B. Iraq's economy is 6.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Nepal?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Nepal's 70.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Nepal's is 1.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Nepal?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Nepal's 147,181 km². Iraq is 3.0 times larger than Nepal.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Nepal?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Nepal recognizes: Nepali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Nepal?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Nepal's 4.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Nepal's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Nepal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 23.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nepal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Iraq or Nepal cheaper to visit?
Nepal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,447.31 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nepal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Nepal better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nepal 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 Nepal more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.2x that of Nepal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Nepal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Nepal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Nepal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Nepal covers 1. Nepal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...