Iraq vs Portugal
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 4.8 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 10.0 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqPortugal| Population | +329.0%46.1M | -76.7%10.7M |
| Area | +376.0%438,317 km² | -79.0%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -10.7%$279.6B | +12.0%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -79.3%$6,073.61 | +382.3%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.1%72.3 yrs | +13.8%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +700.0%20.8 | -87.5%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +151.2%15.5% | -60.2%6.2% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Lisbon |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Portuguese |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | EUR (€) |
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 4.3 times more populous than Portugal, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% 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 Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 1.1 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 4.8 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 10.0 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 700% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 4.8 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Iraq lies in Asia, while Portugal is located in Europe. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Portugal is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Portugal is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 4.8x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.1x more densely populated than Iraq (117 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 Portugal live an average of 10.0 years longer than those of Iraq (82.3 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
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Iraq is 4.3 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Portugal's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Portugal?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Iraq is 4.8 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Portugal?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Portugal?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Iraq or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in s...
Is Iraq or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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...
Is Iraq or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...