Iraq vs Rwanda
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Iraq is 3.3 times more populous than Rwanda. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 19.6 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 16.6 times larger than Rwanda's 26,338 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 4.5 years higher than Rwanda's 67.8 years.
IraqRwanda| Population | +227.0%46.1M | -69.4%14.1M |
| Area | +1564.2%438,317 km² | -94.0%26,338 km² |
| GDP | +1862.2%$279.6B | -94.9%$14.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +507.6%$6,073.61 | -83.5%$999.655 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.7%72.3 yrs | -6.3%67.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.8%20.8 | +46.6%30.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +36.3%15.5% | -26.6%11.4% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Kigali |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, French, Kinyarwanda |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | RWF (Fr) |
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 3.3 times more populous than Rwanda, with 46.1M residents compared to 14.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Rwanda is a nation of 14.1M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Rwanda averages 536 people per km² (dense). 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 Rwanda is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 19.6 times larger than Rwanda's ($14.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Rwanda's GDP per capita of $999.655 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 6.1 times wealthier than those in Rwanda.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 67.8 years in Rwanda, a gap of 4.5 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda (67.8 years) is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Rwanda's infant mortality is 47% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 16.6 times larger by land area than Rwanda (26,338 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Rwanda borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Rwanda's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Rwanda is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Rwanda belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Rwanda is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Rwanda's $14.3B represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Rwanda is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Rwanda is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Rwanda's $999.655 represents a 84% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Rwanda's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 6.1x that of Rwanda ($999.655). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iraq is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Rwanda is 5.1x more densely populated than Iraq (536 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 Iraq live an average of 4.5 years longer than those of Rwanda (72.3 vs 67.8 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
Rwanda's economy grew at 8.9% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Rwanda's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Rwanda for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iraq's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Rwanda for Budget Travelers
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq 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 Rwanda for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda 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 Rwanda Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.1x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Rwanda can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Rwanda for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda'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 Rwanda by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Rwanda's 14.1M. Iraq is 3.3 times more populous than Rwanda.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Rwanda?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Rwanda's $14.3B. Iraq's economy is 19.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Rwanda?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Rwanda's 67.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.5 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Rwanda's is 4.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Rwanda?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Rwanda's 26,338 km². Iraq is 16.6 times larger than Rwanda.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Rwanda?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Rwanda recognizes: English, French, Kinyarwanda. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Rwanda?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Rwanda's 1.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Rwanda's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Rwanda better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Rwanda offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Iraq or Rwanda cheaper to visit?
Rwanda is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $999.655 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Rwanda can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specif...
Is Iraq or Rwanda better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Rwanda 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 Iraq or Rwanda more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 6.1x that of Rwanda, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Rwanda offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Rwanda better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Rwanda, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Rwanda covers 1. Rwanda's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...