IraqUganda
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Uganda's 45.9M. Iraq is 1.0 times more populous than Uganda. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.2 times larger than Uganda's ($53.9B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.8 times larger than Uganda's 241,550 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 4.1 years higher than Uganda's 68.3 years.
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Iraq wins
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Uganda wins
Metric
IraqUganda| Population | 46.1M | 45.9M |
| Area | 438,317 km² | 241,550 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | $53.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | $1,077.913 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.3 yrs | 68.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.8 | 27.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | 2.7% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Kampala |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | UGX (Sh) |
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 1.0 times more populous than Uganda, with 46.1M residents compared to 45.9M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Uganda is a nation of 45.9M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Uganda averages 190 people per km² (moderate). Uganda has grown at 3.25% 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 Uganda is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.2 times larger than Uganda's ($53.9B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Uganda's GDP per capita of $1,077.913 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 5.6 times wealthier than those in Uganda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 68.3 years in Uganda, a gap of 4.1 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Uganda (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 27.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Uganda's infant mortality is 33% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Uganda (241,550 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Uganda borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Uganda's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Uganda is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Uganda belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Uganda is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Uganda's $1,077.913 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Uganda is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Uganda's $53.9B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Uganda is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km² represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Uganda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 5.6x that of Uganda ($1,077.913). 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
Uganda is 1.8x more densely populated than Iraq (190 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 4.1 years longer than those of Uganda (72.3 vs 68.3 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
Uganda's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Uganda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Uganda for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 27.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Uganda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Uganda for Budget Travelers
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda 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 Uganda for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Uganda 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 Uganda Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Uganda can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Uganda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Uganda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Uganda covers 1. Uganda'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 Uganda by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Uganda's 45.9M. Iraq is 1.0 times more populous than Uganda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Uganda?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Uganda's $53.9B. Iraq's economy is 5.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Uganda?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Uganda's 68.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.1 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Uganda's is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Uganda?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Uganda's 241,550 km². Iraq is 1.8 times larger than Uganda.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Uganda?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Uganda recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Uganda?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Uganda's 3.3%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Uganda's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Uganda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 27.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Uganda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Iraq or Uganda cheaper to visit?
Uganda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,077.913 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Uganda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Uganda better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Uganda may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Iraq or Uganda more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.6x that of Uganda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Uganda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Uganda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Uganda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Uganda covers 1. Uganda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...