IranAlgeria
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Iran is 1.8 times more populous than Algeria. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Algeria's ($269.3B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 1.4 times larger than Iran's 1,648,195 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 1.4 years higher than Algeria's 76.3 years.
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Metric
IranAlgeria| Population | 86.0M | 47.4M |
| Area | 1,648,195 km² | 2,381,741 km² |
| GDP | $475.3B | $269.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,190.17 | $5,752.991 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 76.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.7 | 19.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 11.6% |
| Capital | Tehran | Algiers |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Arabic |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | DZD (د.ج) |
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
Iran is 1.8 times more populous than Algeria, with 86.0M residents compared to 47.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.8 times larger than Algeria's ($269.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Algeria are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 76.3 years in Algeria, a gap of 1.4 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 19.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Algeria's infant mortality is 84% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Iran (1,648,195 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Algeria borders 7 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Algeria's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Algeria is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Algeria belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Algeria is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Algeria's 19.7 per 1,000 represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Algeria is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Algeria's 47.4M represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Algeria is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Algeria's $269.3B represents a 43% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Algeria's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 1.1x that of Iran ($5,190.17). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.6x more densely populated than Algeria (52 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 1.4 years longer than those of Algeria (77.7 vs 76.3 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
Algeria's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Algeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Algeria for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 19.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Algeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Algeria for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Algeria for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Algeria 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.
Iran vs Algeria Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Algeria's smaller cities.
Iran vs Algeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Iran'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, Iran or Algeria by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Iran is 1.8 times more populous than Algeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Algeria?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Algeria's $269.3B. Iran's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Algeria?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Algeria's 76.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.4 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Algeria's is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Algeria?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km². Algeria is 1.4 times larger than Iran.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Algeria?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Algeria recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Algeria?
Algeria has lower inflation at 4.0%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Algeria's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Algeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 19.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Algeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Iran or Algeria cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in spe...
Is Iran or Algeria better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Algeria 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 Iran or Algeria more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iran or Algeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...