Iraq vs Peru
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.9 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 5.4 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqPeru| Population | +34.3%46.1M | -25.5%34.4M |
| Area | -65.9%438,317 km² | +193.2%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | -3.3%$279.6B | +3.4%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -28.1%$6,073.61 | +39.2%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.0%72.3 yrs | +7.5%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +54.1%20.8 | -35.1%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +202.6%15.5% | -67.0%5.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Lima |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | PEN (S/ ) |
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 1.3 times more populous than Peru, with 46.1M residents compared to 34.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 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 Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 1.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 5.4 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 54% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.9 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Peru is located in South America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Peru is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Peru's 1,285,216 km² represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Peru is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Peru is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 28% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.4x that of Iraq ($6,073.61). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 3.9x more densely populated than Peru (105 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 5.4 years longer than those of Iraq (77.7 vs 72.3 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Peru for Budget Travelers
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru 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 Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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 Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iraq can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Iraq'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 Peru by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Peru?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Peru's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.4 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Peru is 2.9 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Peru?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Peru?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Peru's 2.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Peru's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 ha...
Is Iraq or Peru cheaper to visit?
Iraq is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,073.61 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iraq can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific ...
Is Iraq or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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 Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iraq or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...