Mexico vs Iraq
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Mexico is 2.8 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Mexico ($1.86T) has a GDP 6.6 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 4.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Mexico stands at 75.1 years, 2.7 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
MexicoIraq| Population | +183.1%130.6M | -64.7%46.1M |
| Area | +348.2%1,964,375 km² | -77.7%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +563.8%$1.86T | -84.9%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +133.6%$14,185.781 | -57.2%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.8%75.1 yrs | -3.7%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.1%10.8 | +92.6%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | -82.7%2.7% | +479.3%15.5% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Baghdad |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Spanish | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Mexico is 2.8 times more populous than Iraq, with 130.6M residents compared to 46.1M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Mexico economy ($1.86T) is 6.6 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Mexico are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 2.7 years. Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 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 93% higher than Mexico's 10.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 4.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Mexico lies in North America, while Iraq is located in Asia. Mexico is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and Iraq is in GDP: Mexico's $1.86T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Iraq is in land area: Mexico's 1,964,375 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Iraq is in population: Mexico's 130.6M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mexico has a GDP per capita of $14,185.781, which is 2.3x 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 Mexico is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 1.6x more densely populated than Mexico (105 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mexico live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Iraq (75.1 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
Mexico's economy grew at 1.4% 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
Mexico vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Mexico's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Mexico vs Iraq 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 Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Mexico vs Iraq for Retirees
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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.
Mexico vs Iraq Cost of Living
Mexico's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, 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 Mexico's smaller cities.
Mexico vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Iraq 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, Mexico or Iraq by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Mexico is 2.8 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or Iraq?
Mexico has the higher GDP at $1.86T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Mexico's economy is 6.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mexico and Iraq?
Mexico has a higher life expectancy at 75.1 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mexico or Iraq?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Mexico is 4.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and Iraq?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Mexico or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Mexico or Iraq 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 Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value in speci...
Is Mexico or Iraq better for retirement?
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 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 p...
Is Mexico or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Mexico's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Mexico or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...