Turkey vs Iraq
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Turkey is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 4.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 1.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 4.8 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
TurkeyIraq| Population | +85.7%85.7M | -46.2%46.1M |
| Area | +78.8%783,562 km² | -44.1%438,317 km² |
| GDP | +386.0%$1.36T | -79.4%$279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +161.7%$15,892.716 | -61.8%$6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.7%77.2 yrs | -6.3%72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -56.3%9.1 | +128.6%20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -45.0%8.5% | +81.7%15.5% |
| Capital | Ankara | Baghdad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq, with 85.7M residents compared to 46.1M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 4.9 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Turkey are on average 2.6 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 4.8 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 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 129% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Iraq are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Iraq is in GDP: Turkey's $1.36T compared to Iraq's $279.6B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Iraq is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 2.6x 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 Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 1.0x more densely populated than Iraq (109 vs 105 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iraq's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Iraq (77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Iraq for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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.
Turkey vs Iraq Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, 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 Turkey's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone 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, Turkey or Iraq by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Turkey is 1.9 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Iraq?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Turkey's economy is 4.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Iraq?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 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, Turkey or Iraq?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Turkey is 1.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Iraq?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 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 h...
Is Turkey 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 Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in speci...
Is Turkey or Iraq better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 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 Turkey or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 2.6x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Turkey or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...