Iraq vs Romania
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Iraq is 2.4 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Romania ($382.6B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.8 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Romania stands at 76.6 years, 4.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqRomania| Population | +142.3%46.1M | -58.7%19.0M |
| Area | +83.9%438,317 km² | -45.6%238,391 km² |
| GDP | -26.9%$279.6B | +36.8%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -69.8%$6,073.61 | +230.6%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.6%72.3 yrs | +5.9%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +285.2%20.8 | -74.0%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +158.4%15.5% | -61.3%6.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Bucharest |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Romanian |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | RON (lei) |
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 2.4 times more populous than Romania, with 46.1M residents compared to 19.0M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). 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 Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Romania economy ($382.6B) is 1.4 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. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Romania are on average 3.3 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 4.3 years. Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 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 285% higher than Romania's 5.4.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Romania is located in Europe. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Romania belongs to Europe (Southeast Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Romania is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Romania is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Romania's $20,080.21 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Romania is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Romania's 19.0M represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Romania's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Romania has a GDP per capita of $20,080.21, which is 3.3x 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 Romania is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.3x more densely populated than Romania (105 vs 80 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Romania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Romania live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of Iraq (76.6 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
Romania's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 Romania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania 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 Romania for Retirees
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 Romania Cost of Living
Romania's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, 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 Romania's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Romania 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 Romania by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Iraq is 2.4 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Romania?
Romania has the higher GDP at $382.6B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Romania's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Romania?
Romania has a higher life expectancy at 76.6 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.3 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Romania?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Iraq is 1.8 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Romania?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Romania?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Romania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.4 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 attr...
Is Iraq or Romania 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 Romania. However, Romania may offer better value in spe...
Is Iraq or Romania better for retirement?
Romania's life expectancy of 76.6 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 ...
Is Iraq or Romania more expensive to live in?
Romania's GDP per capita is 3.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Romania, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...