Iraq vs Chile
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Chile. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 1.7 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 8.8 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqChile| Population | +128.2%46.1M | -56.2%20.2M |
| Area | -42.0%438,317 km² | +72.5%756,102 km² |
| GDP | -15.3%$279.6B | +18.1%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -63.7%$6,073.61 | +175.1%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.9%72.3 yrs | +12.2%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +235.5%20.8 | -70.2%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +72.6%15.5% | -42.0%9.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Santiago |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Spanish |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | CLP ($) |
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 2.3 times more populous than Chile, with 46.1M residents compared to 20.2M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Chile averages 27 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 Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 1.2 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 8.8 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 20.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iraq's infant mortality is 235% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. Iraq lies in Asia, while Chile is located in South America. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Chile is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Chile is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 64% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Chile is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Chile's 20.2M represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 2.8x that of Iraq ($6,073.61). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 3.9x more densely populated than Chile (105 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 8.8 years longer than those of Iraq (81.2 vs 72.3 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
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile 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 Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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 Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iraq can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Iraq'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 Chile by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Chile?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Chile's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Chile?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Chile is 1.7 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Chile?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Chile?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Iraq or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 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 ha...
Is Iraq or Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Iraq 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 Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...