Iraq vs Somalia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 23.4 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.5 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 13.5 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
IraqSomalia| Population | +134.6%46.1M | -57.4%19.7M |
| Area | -31.3%438,317 km² | +45.5%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +2236.8%$279.6B | -95.7%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +864.8%$6,073.61 | -89.6%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.0%72.3 yrs | -18.7%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.3%20.8 | +226.0%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -18.3%15.5% | +22.4%18.9% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Mogadishu |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | SOS (Sh) |
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 Somalia, with 46.1M residents compared to 19.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 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 Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 23.4 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 9.6 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 13.5 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 226% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Somalia is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Somalia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Somalia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Somalia is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Somalia'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 9.6x that of Somalia ($629.539). 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 3.4x more densely populated than Somalia (105 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 13.5 years longer than those of Somalia (72.3 vs 58.8 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
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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 Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia 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 Somalia for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 9.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Somalia?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Iraq's economy is 23.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Somalia?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.5 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Somalia is 1.5 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Somalia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Iraq's inflation rate is -12.3%.
Is Iraq or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Iraq or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Somalia better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 9.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iraq or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...