Iran vs Mali
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Iran is 3.8 times more populous than Mali. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 17.7 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.3 times larger than Mali's 1,240,192 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 17.2 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
IranMali| Population | +283.8%86.0M | -73.9%22.4M |
| Area | +32.9%1,648,195 km² | -24.8%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | +1673.7%$475.3B | -94.4%$26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +374.2%$5,190.17 | -78.9%$1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.5%77.7 yrs | -22.2%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -81.4%10.7 | +438.3%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +193.2%8.3% | -65.9%2.8% |
| Capital | Tehran | Bamako |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | French |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | XOF (Fr) |
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 3.8 times more populous than Mali, with 86.0M residents compared to 22.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 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 Mali is classified as a low-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 17.7 times larger than Mali's ($26.8B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 4.7 times wealthier than those in Mali.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 17.2 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 438% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Mali (1,240,192 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Mali is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Mali is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Mali's $26.8B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Mali is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Mali is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Mali's $1,094.619 represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 4.7x that of Mali ($1,094.619). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 2.9x more densely populated than Mali (52 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 17.2 years longer than those of Mali (77.7 vs 60.4 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
Mali's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Mali has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Mali for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Mali for Budget Travelers
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran 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 Mali for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Mali can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali'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 Mali by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Iran is 3.8 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Mali?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Mali's $26.8B. Iran's economy is 17.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Mali?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.2 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Mali?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km². Iran is 1.3 times larger than Mali.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Mali?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Mali?
Mali has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Mali'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 Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ha...
Is Iran or Mali cheaper to visit?
Mali is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,094.619 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Mali can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific...
Is Iran or Mali better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Iran or Mali more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.7x that of Mali, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Mali offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city wit...
Is Iran or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Mali's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countr...