Ethiopia vs Iran
Ethiopia has a population of 111.7M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Ethiopia is 1.3 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Ethiopia's ($149.7B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.5 times larger than Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 10.3 years higher than Ethiopia's 67.3 years.
EthiopiaIran| Population | +29.9%111.7M | -23.0%86.0M |
| Area | -33.0%1,104,300 km² | +49.3%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -68.5%$149.7B | +217.4%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -78.2%$1,133.883 | +357.7%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.3%67.3 yrs | +15.4%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +233.6%35.7 | -70.0%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -60.0%3.3% | +149.8%8.3% |
| Capital | Addis Ababa | Tehran |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Amharic | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | ETB (Br) | IRR (﷼) |
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
Ethiopia is 1.3 times more populous than Iran, with 111.7M residents compared to 86.0M. Ethiopia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Ethiopia averages 101 people per km² (moderate), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Ethiopia has grown at 2.72% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Ethiopia is classified as a low-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 3.2 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. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 4.6 times wealthier than those in Ethiopia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Ethiopia is 67.3 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 10.3 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above 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 234% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Ethiopia (1,104,300 km²). Ethiopia shares borders with 6 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Ethiopia lies in Africa, while Iran is located in Asia. Ethiopia is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Iran belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iran is in GDP per capita: Ethiopia's $1,133.883 compared to Iran's $5,190.17 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iran is in infant mortality: Ethiopia's 35.7 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Ethiopia and Iran is in GDP: Ethiopia's $149.7B compared to Iran's $475.3B represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Ethiopia's low-income economy and Iran's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 4.6x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ethiopia is 1.9x more densely populated than Iran (101 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 10.3 years longer than those of Ethiopia (77.7 vs 67.3 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
Ethiopia's economy grew at 7.6% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Ethiopia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Ethiopia vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Ethiopia vs Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran 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 Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Ethiopia vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Iran 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 Iran by population?
Ethiopia is larger by population, with 111.7M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Ethiopia is 1.3 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Ethiopia or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Ethiopia's $149.7B. Iran's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Ethiopia and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Ethiopia's 67.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.3 years. Ethiopia's life expectancy is 4.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while Iran's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Ethiopia or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Ethiopia's 1,104,300 km². Iran is 1.5 times larger than Ethiopia.
What languages are spoken in Ethiopia and Iran?
Ethiopia recognizes the following official language: Amharic. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Ethiopia or Iran?
Ethiopia has lower inflation at 21.0%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Ethiopia's inflation is severely elevated at 21.0%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Ethiopia or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 35.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ethiopia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Ethiopia or Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in ...
Is Ethiopia or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.6x that of Ethiopia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Ethiopia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Ethiopia or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Ethiopia and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Ethiopia spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Ethiopia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....