Iraq vs Venezuela
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Iraq is 1.6 times more populous than Venezuela. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Venezuela covers 916,445 km², 2.1 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 0.2 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqVenezuela| Population | +61.7%46.1M | -38.2%28.5M |
| Area | -52.2%438,317 km² | +109.1%916,445 km² |
| GDP | +133.4%$279.6B | -57.2%$119.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +44.0%$6,073.61 | -30.6%$4,217.591 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.3%72.3 yrs | +0.3%72.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -3.3%20.8 | +3.4%21.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +191.8%15.5% | -65.7%5.3% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Caracas |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | VES (Bs.S.) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Venezuela, with 46.1M residents compared to 28.5M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse). 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 Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.3 times larger than Venezuela's ($119.8B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Venezuela.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 72.5 years in Venezuela, a gap of 0.2 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 21.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Venezuela's infant mortality is 3% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Venezuela (916,445 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Venezuela borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Venezuela's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Venezuela is located in South America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Venezuela belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Venezuela is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Venezuela's $119.8B represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Venezuela is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Venezuela's 916,445 km² represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Venezuela is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Venezuela's 28.5M represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Venezuela'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 1.4x that of Venezuela ($4,217.591). 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
Iraq is 3.4x more densely populated than Venezuela (105 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Venezuela's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Venezuela live an average of 0.2 years longer than those of Iraq (72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Venezuela for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela 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 Venezuela for Budget Travelers
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela 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 Venezuela for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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 Venezuela Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Venezuela can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Venezuela for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Venezuela covers 1. Venezuela'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 Venezuela by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Venezuela's 28.5M. Iraq is 1.6 times more populous than Venezuela.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Venezuela?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Venezuela's $119.8B. Iraq's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Venezuela?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Venezuela's is 0.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Venezuela?
Venezuela is larger by land area, covering 916,445 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Venezuela is 2.1 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Venezuela?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Venezuela recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Venezuela?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Venezuela better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Iraq or Venezuela cheaper to visit?
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value i...
Is Iraq or Venezuela better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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, climat...
Is Iraq or Venezuela more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iraq or Venezuela better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Venezuela, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Venezuela covers 1. Venezuela's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...