Iraq vs North Korea
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than North Korea. Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.6 times larger than North Korea's 120,538 km². Life expectancy in North Korea stands at 73.6 years, 1.3 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqNorth Korea| Population | +77.7%46.1M | -43.7%25.9M |
| Area | +263.6%438,317 km² | -72.5%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -1.8%72.3 yrs | +1.8%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +43.4%20.8 | -30.3%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +336.8%15.5% | -77.1%3.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Pyongyang |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Korean |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | KPW (₩) |
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 1.8 times more populous than North Korea, with 46.1M residents compared to 25.9M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). North Korea has grown at 0.42% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. Iraq's GDP stands at $279.6B. GDP data is not available for North Korea. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 1.3 years. North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 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 43% higher than North Korea's 14.5.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than North Korea (120,538 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while North Korea borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and North Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and North Korea is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and North Korea is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and North Korea is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 30% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
North Korea is 2.0x more densely populated than Iraq (215 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 North Korea live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Iraq (73.6 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.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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 North Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea 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 North Korea for Retirees
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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 North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 North Korea by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and North Korea?
North Korea has a higher life expectancy at 73.6 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or North Korea?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km². Iraq is 3.6 times larger than North Korea.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and North Korea?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. North Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, North Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.5 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...
Is Iraq or North Korea 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 North Korea. However, North Korea may offer better valu...
Is Iraq or North Korea better for retirement?
North Korea's life expectancy of 73.6 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, clim...
Is Iraq or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...