Iraq vs Malaysia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Malaysia. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.3 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 4.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqMalaysia| Population | +34.7%46.1M | -25.8%34.2M |
| Area | +32.5%438,317 km² | -24.5%330,803 km² |
| GDP | -33.8%$279.6B | +51.0%$422.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -48.9%$6,073.61 | +95.5%$11,874.427 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.7%72.3 yrs | +6.0%76.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +205.9%20.8 | -67.3%6.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +311.4%15.5% | -75.7%3.8% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Kuala Lumpur |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, Malay |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | MYR (RM) |
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 1.3 times more populous than Malaysia, with 46.1M residents compared to 34.2M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Malaysia averages 103 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 Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 1.5 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. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 76.7 years in Malaysia, a gap of 4.3 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 206% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Malaysia borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Malaysia's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Malaysia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Malaysia is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Malaysia is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Malaysia's $11,874.427 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Malaysia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Malaysia's $422.2B represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 2.0x 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 Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.0x more densely populated than Malaysia (105 vs 103 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Malaysia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malaysia live an average of 4.3 years longer than those of Iraq (76.7 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
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Malaysia for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia 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 Malaysia for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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 Malaysia Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Malaysia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Malaysia 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 Malaysia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Malaysia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Malaysia?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Malaysia's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Malaysia?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 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 Malaysia's is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Malaysia?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Iraq is 1.3 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Malaysia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Malaysia recognizes: English, Malay. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Malaysia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Malaysia's 1.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malaysia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Malaysia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 att...
Is Iraq or Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in s...
Is Iraq or Malaysia better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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 Malaysia more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iraq or Malaysia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...