EgyptIraq
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Egypt is 2.3 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 2.3 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 0.7 years higher than Egypt's 71.6 years.
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Egypt wins
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Iraq wins
Metric
EgyptIraq| Population | 107.3M | 46.1M |
| Area | 1,002,450 km² | 438,317 km² |
| GDP | $389.1B | $279.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,338.474 | $6,073.61 |
| Life Expectancy | 71.6 yrs | 72.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 16.1 | 20.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.8% | 15.5% |
| Capital | Cairo | Baghdad |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | IQD (ع.د) |
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
Egypt is 2.3 times more populous than Iraq, with 107.3M residents compared to 46.1M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 1.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Egypt.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 72.3 years in Iraq, a gap of 0.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 29% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Iraq borders 6 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Iraq's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Iraq is located in Asia. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Iraq belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Iraq is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Iraq's 46.1M represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Iraq is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km² represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Iraq is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Iraq's $6,073.61 represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Iraq's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 1.8x that of Egypt ($3,338.474). 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
Egypt is 1.0x more densely populated than Iraq (107 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 0.7 years longer than those of Egypt (72.3 vs 71.6 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
Egypt's economy grew at 2.4% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Egypt has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Iraq for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Iraq for Budget Travelers
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Iraq for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Iraq Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Egypt can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Iraq for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Egypt'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, Egypt or Iraq by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Egypt is 2.3 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Iraq?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Egypt's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Iraq?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Egypt's 71.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Iraq's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Iraq?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Egypt is 2.3 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Iraq?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Iraq recognizes: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Iraq?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Iraq better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Egypt or Iraq cheaper to visit?
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specif...
Is Egypt or Iraq better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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 Egypt or Iraq more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Egypt or Iraq better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Iraq, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Iraq covers 1. Egypt's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...