Spain vs Iraq
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Spain is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 6.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 1.2 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 11.6 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
SpainIraq| Population | +6.9%49.3M | -6.5%46.1M |
| Area | +15.4%505,992 km² | -13.4%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +517.1%$1.73T | -83.8%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +481.6%$35,326.768 | -82.8%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.0%83.9 yrs | -13.8%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.5%2.6 | +700.0%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -33.0%10.4% | +49.2%15.5% |
| Capital | Madrid | Baghdad |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Spain is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq, with 49.3M residents compared to 46.1M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 6.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 5.8 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 11.6 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Iraq is located in Asia. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Iraq is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Iraq is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 5.8x 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 Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.1x more densely populated than Spain (105 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 11.6 years longer than those of Iraq (83.9 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Spain 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 a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Iraq 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Iraq for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Iraq Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 5.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Iraq 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, Spain or Iraq by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Spain is 1.1 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Iraq?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Spain's economy is 6.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Iraq?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.6 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Iraq?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Spain is 1.2 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Iraq?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain 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 a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Spain or Iraq 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specifi...
Is Spain or Iraq better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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 pr...
Is Spain or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 5.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Spain or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...