Iraq vs Azerbaijan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Azerbaijan's 10.2M. Iraq is 4.5 times more populous than Azerbaijan. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Azerbaijan's ($74.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 5.1 times larger than Azerbaijan's 86,600 km². Life expectancy in Azerbaijan stands at 74.4 years, 2.1 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqAzerbaijan| Population | +350.3%46.1M | -77.8%10.2M |
| Area | +406.1%438,317 km² | -80.2%86,600 km² |
| GDP | +276.3%$279.6B | -73.4%$74.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -16.6%$6,073.61 | +19.9%$7,283.85 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%72.3 yrs | +2.9%74.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +56.4%20.8 | -36.1%13.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +183.8%15.5% | -64.8%5.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Baku |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Azerbaijani |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | AZN (₼) |
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 4.5 times more populous than Azerbaijan, with 46.1M residents compared to 10.2M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Azerbaijan is a nation of 10.2M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Azerbaijan averages 118 people per km² (moderate). Azerbaijan has grown at 0.76% 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 Azerbaijan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 3.8 times larger than Azerbaijan's ($74.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Azerbaijan's GDP per capita of $7,283.85 is 35% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Azerbaijan are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 74.4 years in Azerbaijan, a gap of 2.1 years. Azerbaijan (74.4 years) is 2.4 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 56% higher than Azerbaijan's 13.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 5.1 times larger by land area than Azerbaijan (86,600 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Azerbaijan borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Azerbaijan's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Azerbaijan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Azerbaijan is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Azerbaijan's 86,600 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Azerbaijan is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Azerbaijan's 10.2M represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Azerbaijan is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Azerbaijan's $74.3B represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Azerbaijan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Azerbaijan has a GDP per capita of $7,283.85, which is 1.2x 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 Azerbaijan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Azerbaijan is 1.1x more densely populated than Iraq (118 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 Azerbaijan live an average of 2.1 years longer than those of Iraq (74.4 vs 72.3 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
Azerbaijan's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Azerbaijan has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Azerbaijan for Families
For family travel, Azerbaijan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.3 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 Azerbaijan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan for Retirees
Azerbaijan's life expectancy of 74.4 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 Azerbaijan Cost of Living
Azerbaijan's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Azerbaijan, 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 Azerbaijan's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Azerbaijan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Azerbaijan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Azerbaijan 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, Iraq or Azerbaijan by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Azerbaijan's 10.2M. Iraq is 4.5 times more populous than Azerbaijan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Azerbaijan?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Azerbaijan's $74.3B. Iraq's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has a higher life expectancy at 74.4 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Azerbaijan's is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Azerbaijan?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Azerbaijan's 86,600 km². Iraq is 5.1 times larger than Azerbaijan.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Azerbaijan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Azerbaijan recognizes: Azerbaijani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Azerbaijan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Azerbaijan's 2.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Azerbaijan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Azerbaijan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Azerbaijan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.3 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 ...
Is Iraq or Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan may offer better value ...
Is Iraq or Azerbaijan better for retirement?
Azerbaijan's life expectancy of 74.4 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, clima...
Is Iraq or Azerbaijan more expensive to live in?
Azerbaijan's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Azerbaijan, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iraq or Azerbaijan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Azerbaijan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Azerbaijan covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....