Iraq vs Japan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Japan's 123.2M. Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq. Economically, Japan ($4.03T) has a GDP 14.4 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 1.2 times larger than Japan's 377,930 km². Life expectancy in Japan stands at 84.0 years, 11.7 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqJapan| Population | -62.6%46.1M | +167.2%123.2M |
| Area | +16.0%438,317 km² | -13.8%377,930 km² |
| GDP | -93.1%$279.6B | +1340.3%$4.03T |
| GDP Per Capita | -81.3%$6,073.61 | +434.9%$32,487.078 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.9%72.3 yrs | +16.2%84.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1055.6%20.8 | -91.3%1.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +531.8%15.5% | -84.2%2.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Tokyo |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Japanese |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | JPY (¥) |
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
Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq, with 123.2M residents compared to 46.1M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Japan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Japan averages 326 people per km² (dense). 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 Japan is classified as a high-income economy. The Japan economy ($4.03T) is 14.4 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. Japan's GDP per capita of $32,487.078 is 190% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Japan are on average 5.3 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 84.0 years in Japan, a gap of 11.7 years. Japan (84.0 years) is 12.0 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 1056% higher than Japan's 1.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Japan (377,930 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Japan borders 0 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Japan's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Japan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Japan is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Japan's $4.03T represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Japan is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Japan's 1.8 per 1,000 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Japan is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Japan's $32,487.078 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Japan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Japan has a GDP per capita of $32,487.078, which is 5.3x 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 Japan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Japan is 3.1x more densely populated than Iraq (326 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 Japan live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Iraq (84.0 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
Japan's economy grew at 0.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Japan for Families
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Japan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan 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 Japan for Retirees
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan Cost of Living
Japan's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, 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 Japan's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Japan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. 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 Japan by population?
Japan is larger by population, with 123.2M residents compared to Iraq's 46.1M. Japan is 2.7 times more populous than Iraq.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Japan?
Japan has the higher GDP at $4.03T, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Japan's economy is 14.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Japan?
Japan has a higher life expectancy at 84.0 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Japan's is 12.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Japan?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Japan's 377,930 km². Iraq is 1.2 times larger than Japan.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Japan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Japan recognizes: Japanese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Japan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Japan's 2.7%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Japan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Japan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Japan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (1.8 vs 20.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iraq offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Iraq or Japan 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 Japan. However, Japan may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Japan better for retirement?
Japan's life expectancy of 84.0 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 Japan more expensive to live in?
Japan's GDP per capita is 5.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Japan, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Japan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Japan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Japan covers 1. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...