EthiopiaIraq
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia covers 1,104,300 km², 2.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 5.0 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
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Ethiopia wins
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Iraq wins
Metric
EthiopiaIraq| Population | 111.7M | 46.1M |
| Area | 1,104,300 km² | 438,317 km² |
| GDP | $149.7B | $279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,133.883 | $6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | 67.3 yrs | 72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 35.7 | 20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 15.5% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Baghdad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | IQD (ع.د) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Iraq, with 111.7M residents compared to 46.1M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 1.9 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Ethiopia's GDP per capita of $1,133.883 is 48% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 5.4 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 5.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Ethiopia (67.3 years) is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 35.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ethiopia's infant mortality is 72% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²) is 2.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Iraq is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iraq is in land area: Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iraq is in population: Ethiopia's 111.7M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 5.4x that of Ethiopia ($1,133.883). 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 1.0x more densely populated than Ethiopia (105 vs 101 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Ethiopia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Ethiopia (72.3 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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.
Ethiopia vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ethiopia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Ethiopia'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, Ethiopia or Iraq by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Ethiopia is 2.4 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Iraq?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Iraq's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Iraq?
Ethiopia is larger by land area, covering 1,104,300 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Ethiopia is 2.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Iraq?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Ethiopia's 21.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Ethiopia's rate is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Ethiopia or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Ethiopia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,133.883 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ethiopia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in ...
Is Ethiopia or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.4x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Ethiopia or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....