Iraq vs India
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to India's 1.42B. 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.
IraqIndia| Population | -96.7%46.1M | +2973.6%1.42B |
| Area | -86.7%438,317 km² | +650.0%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -92.8%$279.6B | +1298.2%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +125.4%$6,073.61 | -55.6%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.4%72.3 yrs | -0.4%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -15.1%20.8 | +17.8%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +267.0%15.5% | -72.8%4.2% |
| Capital | Baghdad | New Delhi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | INR (₹) |
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. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 14.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% 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 Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, 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). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and India are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and India is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and India is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and India is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and India's lower-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
Iraq vs India 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.
Iraq vs India 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.
Iraq vs India 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.
Iraq vs India 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.
Iraq vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while India 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, Iraq or India 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, Iraq or India?
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 Iraq and India?
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. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or India?
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 Iraq and India?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or India?
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 Iraq or India 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 Iraq or India 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 Iraq or India 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 Iraq or India 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 Iraq or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...