Iraq vs Syria
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than Syria. Iraq covers 438,317 km², 2.4 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 0.2 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
IraqSyria| Population | +80.0%46.1M | -44.4%25.6M |
| Area | +136.7%438,317 km² | -57.8%185,180 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +0.3%72.3 yrs | -0.3%72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +9.5%20.8 | -8.7%19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +14.1%15.5% | -12.4%13.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Damascus |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | SYP (£) |
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 Syria, with 46.1M residents compared to 25.6M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate). Syria has grown at 0.86% 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 Syria is classified as a low-income economy. Iraq's GDP stands at $279.6B. GDP data is not available for Syria. 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 Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 0.2 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 9% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Syria are located in 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 Iraq and Syria is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Syria is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Syria is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.3x more densely populated than Iraq (138 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 0.2 years longer than those of Syria (72.3 vs 72.1 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 Syria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Syria 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 Syria. However, Syria 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 Syria for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria 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 Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Syria 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 Syria by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Iraq is 1.8 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Syria?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Syria?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Syria?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Iraq is 2.4 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Syria?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Syria recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 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 attra...
Is Iraq or Syria 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 Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Syria better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iraq or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...