India vs Iraq
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. India is 30.7 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 14.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 7.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 0.3 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
IndiaIraq| Population | +2973.6%1.42B | -96.7%46.1M |
| Area | +650.0%3,287,263 km² | -86.7%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +1298.2%$3.91T | -92.8%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -55.6%$2,694.738 | +125.4%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%72.0 yrs | +0.4%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +17.8%24.5 | -15.1%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -72.8%4.2% | +267.0%15.5% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | 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
India is 30.7 times more populous than Iraq, with 1.42B residents compared to 46.1M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, India averages 431 people per km² (dense), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 14.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Iraq are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 0.3 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 18% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 7.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both India and Iraq are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between India and Iraq is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between India and Iraq is in GDP: India's $3.91T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between India and Iraq is in land area: India's 3,287,263 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India's lower-middle-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 2.3x that of India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 4.1x more densely populated than Iraq (431 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 0.3 years longer than those of India (72.3 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
India vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
India vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India 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.
India vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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.
India vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in India can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
India vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between India and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. India'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, India or Iraq by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. India is 30.7 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Iraq?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. India's economy is 14.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. India's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, India or Iraq?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². India is 7.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in India and Iraq?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to India's 5.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is India or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is India or Iraq cheaper to visit?
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specif...
Is India or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 India or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is India or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between India and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...