Iraq vs Malawi
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Iraq is 2.2 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 24.7 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.7 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 5.0 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
IraqMalawi| Population | +122.4%46.1M | -55.0%20.7M |
| Area | +269.9%438,317 km² | -73.0%118,484 km² |
| GDP | +2371.1%$279.6B | -96.0%$11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1062.3%$6,073.61 | -91.4%$522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | +7.4%72.3 yrs | -6.9%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -29.3%20.8 | +41.3%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +205.3%15.5% | -67.2%5.1% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Lilongwe |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | MWK (MK) |
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 2.2 times more populous than Malawi, with 46.1M residents compared to 20.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Malawi averages 175 people per km² (moderate). 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 Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 24.7 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 11.6 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 5.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 41% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Malawi is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Malawi belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Malawi is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Malawi is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Malawi's $522.57 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Malawi is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Malawi's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 11.6x that of Malawi ($522.57). 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
Malawi is 1.7x more densely populated than Iraq (175 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 Iraq live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Malawi (72.3 vs 67.4 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
Malawi's economy grew at 1.7% 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 Malawi for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi 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 Malawi for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 11.6x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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 Malawi by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Iraq is 2.2 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Malawi?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Iraq's economy is 24.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Malawi?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Malawi?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Iraq is 3.7 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Malawi?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Malawi?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iraq or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Iraq or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Malawi better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 11.6x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by cit...
Is Iraq or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...