IraqZimbabwe
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Iraq is 2.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 6.7 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.1 times larger than Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 9.5 years higher than Zimbabwe's 62.8 years.
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Iraq wins
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Zimbabwe wins
Metric
IraqZimbabwe| Population | 46.1M | 17.1M |
| Area | 438,317 km² | 390,757 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | $41.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | $2,497.203 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.3 yrs | 62.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.8 | 40.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | 9.3% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Harare |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | ZWL ($) |
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 2.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe, with 46.1M residents compared to 17.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Zimbabwe is a nation of 17.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Zimbabwe averages 44 people per km² (sparse). Zimbabwe has grown at 1.55% 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 Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 6.7 times larger than Zimbabwe's ($41.5B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zimbabwe's GDP per capita of $2,497.203 is 14% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Zimbabwe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 62.8 years in Zimbabwe, a gap of 9.5 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe (62.8 years) is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 40.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zimbabwe's infant mortality is 95% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Zimbabwe (390,757 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Zimbabwe borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Zimbabwe's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Zimbabwe is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Zimbabwe belongs to Africa (Southern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Zimbabwe is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Zimbabwe is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Zimbabwe is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Zimbabwe's $2,497.203 represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Zimbabwe'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 2.4x that of Zimbabwe ($2,497.203). 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 2.4x more densely populated than Zimbabwe (105 vs 44 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zimbabwe's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 9.5 years longer than those of Zimbabwe (72.3 vs 62.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Zimbabwe's economy grew at 1.7% 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 Zimbabwe for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Budget Travelers
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zimbabwe can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Zimbabwe for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe'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 Zimbabwe by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Zimbabwe's 17.1M. Iraq is 2.7 times more populous than Zimbabwe.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Zimbabwe?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Zimbabwe's $41.5B. Iraq's economy is 6.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Zimbabwe?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Zimbabwe's 62.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.5 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Zimbabwe's is 9.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Zimbabwe?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Zimbabwe's 390,757 km². Iraq is 1.1 times larger than Zimbabwe.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Zimbabwe?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Zimbabwe recognizes: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Chewa, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Zimbabwe?
Inflation data is not available for Zimbabwe. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Zimbabwe better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 40.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zimbabwe offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Iraq or Zimbabwe cheaper to visit?
Zimbabwe is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,497.203 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zimbabwe can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in ...
Is Iraq or Zimbabwe better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Zimbabwe, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Zimbabwe offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Zimbabwe better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Zimbabwe, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Zimbabwe covers 1. Zimbabwe's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....