Iran vs Sri Lanka
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Iran is 3.9 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 4.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 25.1 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 0.2 years higher than Sri Lanka's 77.5 years.
IranSri Lanka| Population | +295.0%86.0M | -74.7%21.8M |
| Area | +2412.1%1,648,195 km² | -96.0%65,610 km² |
| GDP | +380.2%$475.3B | -79.2%$99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +14.9%$5,190.17 | -13.0%$4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.2%77.7 yrs | -0.2%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +101.9%10.7 | -50.5%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +107.3%8.3% | -51.8%4.0% |
| Capital | Tehran | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | LKR (Rs රු) |
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
Iran is 3.9 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 86.0M residents compared to 21.8M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Sri Lanka averages 332 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 4.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 0.2 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iran's infant mortality is 102% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 25.1 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Sri Lanka are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Sri Lanka is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Sri Lanka is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Sri Lanka is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Sri Lanka'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 1.1x that of Sri Lanka ($4,515.568). 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
Sri Lanka is 6.4x more densely populated than Iran (332 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 0.2 years longer than those of Sri Lanka (77.7 vs 77.5 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Sri Lanka for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka 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.
Iran vs Sri Lanka for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sri Lanka 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.
Iran vs Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sri Lanka can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka'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, Iran or Sri Lanka by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Iran is 3.9 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Sri Lanka?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Iran's economy is 4.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Sri Lanka?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Sri Lanka's 77.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.2 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Sri Lanka?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Iran is 25.1 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Sri Lanka?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has lower inflation at -0.4%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Sri Lanka's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Iran or Sri Lanka cheaper to visit?
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value i...
Is Iran or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sri Lanka may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Iran or Sri Lanka more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iran or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...