Iraq vs Kazakhstan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Kazakhstan. Economically, Kazakhstan ($291.5B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Iraq's ($279.6B). Kazakhstan covers 2,724,900 km², 6.2 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Kazakhstan stands at 74.4 years, 2.1 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqKazakhstan| Population | +125.8%46.1M | -55.7%20.4M |
| Area | -83.9%438,317 km² | +521.7%2,724,900 km² |
| GDP | -4.1%$279.6B | +4.2%$291.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -57.1%$6,073.61 | +133.1%$14,154.632 |
| Life Expectancy | -2.8%72.3 yrs | +2.9%74.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +173.7%20.8 | -63.5%7.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +224.6%15.5% | -69.2%4.8% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Astana |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Kazakh, Russian |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | KZT (₸) |
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 Kazakhstan, with 46.1M residents compared to 20.4M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Kazakhstan is a nation of 20.4M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Kazakhstan averages 7 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 Kazakhstan is classified as a high-income economy. The Kazakhstan economy ($291.5B) is 1.0 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. Kazakhstan's GDP per capita of $14,154.632 is 26% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Kazakhstan are on average 2.3 times wealthier than those in Iraq.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 74.4 years in Kazakhstan, a gap of 2.1 years. Kazakhstan (74.4 years) is 2.4 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 174% higher than Kazakhstan's 7.6.
Geographic Comparison
Kazakhstan (2,724,900 km²) is 6.2 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Kazakhstan borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Kazakhstan's 2 timezones. Both Iraq and Kazakhstan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Central Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Kazakhstan is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Kazakhstan's 2,724,900 km² represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Kazakhstan is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Kazakhstan's 7.6 per 1,000 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Kazakhstan is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Kazakhstan's $14,154.632 represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Kazakhstan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kazakhstan has a GDP per capita of $14,154.632, which is 2.3x 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 Kazakhstan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iraq is 14.0x more densely populated than Kazakhstan (105 vs 7 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kazakhstan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Kazakhstan live an average of 2.1 years longer than those of Iraq (74.4 vs 72.3 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
Kazakhstan's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kazakhstan has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Kazakhstan for Families
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 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 Kazakhstan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan for Retirees
Kazakhstan's life expectancy of 74.4 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 Kazakhstan Cost of Living
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, 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 Kazakhstan's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Kazakhstan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Kazakhstan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has the higher GDP at $291.5B, compared to Iraq's $279.6B. Kazakhstan's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has a higher life expectancy at 74.4 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.1 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan's is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is larger by land area, covering 2,724,900 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Kazakhstan is 6.2 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Kazakhstan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Kazakhstan recognizes: Kazakh, Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Kazakhstan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Kazakhstan's 8.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Kazakhstan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Kazakhstan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 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 countri...
Is Iraq or Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan may offer better value ...
Is Iraq or Kazakhstan better for retirement?
Kazakhstan's life expectancy of 74.4 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, clima...
Is Iraq or Kazakhstan more expensive to live in?
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 2.3x that of Iraq, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, while Iraq offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iraq or Kazakhstan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Iraq's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....