Nigeria vs Iran
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Nigeria is 2.6 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.8 times larger than Nigeria's 923,768 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 23.2 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaIran| Population | +160.4%223.8M | -61.6%86.0M |
| Area | -44.0%923,768 km² | +78.4%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -46.9%$252.3B | +88.4%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -79.1%$1,084.16 | +378.7%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -29.9%54.5 yrs | +42.6%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +461.7%60.1 | -82.2%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -63.1%3.1% | +170.9%8.3% |
| Capital | Abuja | Tehran |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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
Nigeria is 2.6 times more populous than Iran, with 223.8M residents compared to 86.0M. Nigeria 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, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.9 times larger than Nigeria's ($252.3B). Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% 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 4.8 times wealthier than those in Nigeria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 23.2 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 462% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Nigeria (923,768 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Iran is located in Asia. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Iran belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iran is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iran is in GDP per capita: Nigeria's $1,084.16 compared to Iran's $5,190.17 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Iran is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Iran's 86.0M represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria'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 4.8x that of Nigeria ($1,084.16). 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
Nigeria is 4.6x more densely populated than Iran (242 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 23.2 years longer than those of Nigeria (77.7 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Nigeria has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Nigeria vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iran for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Nigeria can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Nigeria vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Nigeria'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, Nigeria or Iran by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Nigeria is 2.6 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Nigeria's $252.3B. Iran's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Nigeria and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 23.2 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 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, Nigeria or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km². Iran is 1.8 times larger than Nigeria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Iran?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Iran?
Iran has lower inflation at 32.5%, compared to Nigeria's 33.2%. Iran's inflation is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Nigeria's rate is severely elevated at 33.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Nigeria or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Nigeria or Iran cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in spe...
Is Nigeria or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 4.8x that of Nigeria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Nigeria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Nigeria or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Nigeria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...