IraqAngola
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Angola's 36.2M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Angola. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.8 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Angola covers 1,246,700 km², 2.8 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 7.7 years higher than Angola's 64.6 years.
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Iraq wins
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Angola wins
Metric
IraqAngola| Population | 46.1M | 36.2M |
| Area | 438,317 km² | 1,246,700 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | $101.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | $2,665.874 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.3 yrs | 64.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.8 | 38.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | 14.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Luanda |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Portuguese |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | AOA (Kz) |
Last updated: April 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 1.3 times more populous than Angola, with 46.1M residents compared to 36.2M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Angola is a nation of 36.2M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Angola averages 29 people per km² (sparse). 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 Angola is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.8 times larger than Angola's ($101.0B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Angola's GDP per capita of $2,665.874 is 21% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Angola.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 64.6 years in Angola, a gap of 7.7 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Angola (64.6 years) is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 38.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Angola's infant mortality is 84% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Angola (1,246,700 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Angola borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Angola's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Angola is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Angola belongs to Africa (Middle Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Angola is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Angola's 1,246,700 km² represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Angola is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Angola's $101.0B represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Angola is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Angola's $2,665.874 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Angola's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 2.3x that of Angola ($2,665.874). 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
Iraq is 3.6x more densely populated than Angola (105 vs 29 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Angola's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 7.7 years longer than those of Angola (72.3 vs 64.6 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
Angola's economy grew at 4.4% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Angola has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Angola for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Angola for Budget Travelers
Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola 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 Angola for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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 Angola Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Angola can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Angola for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola'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 Angola by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Angola's 36.2M. Iraq is 1.3 times more populous than Angola.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Angola?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Angola's $101.0B. Iraq's economy is 2.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Angola?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Angola's 64.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Angola's is 7.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Angola?
Angola is larger by land area, covering 1,246,700 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Angola is 2.8 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Angola?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Angola recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Angola?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Angola's 28.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Angola's rate is severely elevated at 28.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iraq or Angola better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 38.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Angola offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Iraq or Angola cheaper to visit?
Angola is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,665.874 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Angola can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Angola better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Angola 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 Angola more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Angola, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Angola offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Angola better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Angola, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Angola covers 1. Angola's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...