Iraq vs Senegal
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Iraq is 2.5 times more populous than Senegal. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 8.5 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 2.2 times larger than Senegal's 196,722 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 3.6 years higher than Senegal's 68.7 years.
IraqSenegal| Population | +148.0%46.1M | -59.7%18.6M |
| Area | +122.8%438,317 km² | -55.1%196,722 km² |
| GDP | +752.4%$279.6B | -88.3%$32.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +242.5%$6,073.61 | -70.8%$1,773.218 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%72.3 yrs | -5.0%68.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.1%20.8 | +45.2%30.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +466.2%15.5% | -82.3%2.7% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Dakar |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | French |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | XOF (Fr) |
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 2.5 times more populous than Senegal, with 46.1M residents compared to 18.6M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Senegal is a nation of 18.6M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Senegal averages 95 people per km² (moderate). Senegal has grown at 2.80% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Senegal is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 8.5 times larger than Senegal's ($32.8B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Senegal's GDP per capita of $1,773.218 is 19% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Senegal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 68.7 years in Senegal, a gap of 3.6 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Senegal (68.7 years) is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Senegal's infant mortality is 45% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Senegal (196,722 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Senegal borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Senegal's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Senegal is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Senegal belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Senegal is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Senegal's $32.8B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Senegal is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Senegal's $1,773.218 represents a 71% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Senegal is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Senegal's 18.6M represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Senegal'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 3.4x that of Senegal ($1,773.218). 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 1.1x more densely populated than Senegal (105 vs 95 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Senegal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 3.6 years longer than those of Senegal (72.3 vs 68.7 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
Senegal's economy grew at 6.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Senegal's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Senegal for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal 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 Senegal for Budget Travelers
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal 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 Senegal for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal 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 Senegal Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Senegal can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Senegal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Senegal covers 1. Senegal'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 Senegal by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Senegal's 18.6M. Iraq is 2.5 times more populous than Senegal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Senegal?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Senegal's $32.8B. Iraq's economy is 8.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Senegal?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Senegal's 68.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.6 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Senegal's is 3.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Senegal?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Senegal's 196,722 km². Iraq is 2.2 times larger than Senegal.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Senegal?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Senegal recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Senegal?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Senegal's 0.8%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Senegal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Senegal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Senegal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Iraq or Senegal cheaper to visit?
Senegal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,773.218 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Senegal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in sp...
Is Iraq or Senegal better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Senegal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Iraq or Senegal more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Senegal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Senegal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Senegal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Senegal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Senegal covers 1. Senegal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...