Iraq vs Sri Lanka
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Iraq is 2.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 2.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 6.7 times larger than Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Life expectancy in Sri Lanka stands at 77.5 years, 5.2 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
IraqSri Lanka| Population | +111.9%46.1M | -52.8%21.8M |
| Area | +568.1%438,317 km² | -85.0%65,610 km² |
| GDP | +182.6%$279.6B | -64.6%$99.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +34.5%$6,073.61 | -25.7%$4,515.568 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.7%72.3 yrs | +7.1%77.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +292.5%20.8 | -74.5%5.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +286.6%15.5% | -74.1%4.0% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Sinhala, Tamil |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | LKR (Rs රු) |
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 2.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka, with 46.1M residents compared to 21.8M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Sri Lanka is a nation of 21.8M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Sri Lanka averages 332 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 Sri Lanka is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 2.8 times larger than Sri Lanka's ($99.0B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sri Lanka's GDP per capita of $4,515.568 is 60% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 1.3 times wealthier than those in Sri Lanka.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 77.5 years in Sri Lanka, a gap of 5.2 years. Sri Lanka (77.5 years) is 5.5 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 292% higher than Sri Lanka's 5.3.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Sri Lanka (65,610 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Sri Lanka borders 0 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Sri Lanka's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Sri Lanka are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Sri Lanka is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Sri Lanka is in infant mortality: Iraq's 20.8 per 1,000 compared to Sri Lanka's 5.3 per 1,000 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Sri Lanka is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Sri Lanka's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iraq has a GDP per capita of $6,073.61, which is 1.3x that of Sri Lanka ($4,515.568). 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
Sri Lanka is 3.2x more densely populated than Iraq (332 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 Sri Lanka live an average of 5.2 years longer than those of Iraq (77.5 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
Sri Lanka's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Sri Lanka's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Sri Lanka for Families
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 Sri Lanka's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Sri Lanka for Budget Travelers
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka for Retirees
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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 Sri Lanka Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sri Lanka can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka'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 Sri Lanka by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Sri Lanka's 21.8M. Iraq is 2.1 times more populous than Sri Lanka.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Sri Lanka?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Sri Lanka's $99.0B. Iraq's economy is 2.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a higher life expectancy at 77.5 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.2 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Sri Lanka's is 5.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Sri Lanka?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Sri Lanka's 65,610 km². Iraq is 6.7 times larger than Sri Lanka.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Sri Lanka?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Sri Lanka recognizes: Sinhala, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Sri Lanka?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Sri Lanka's -0.4%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Sri Lanka's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Sri Lanka better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sri Lanka generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.3 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 at...
Is Iraq or Sri Lanka cheaper to visit?
Sri Lanka is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,515.568 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sri Lanka can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value i...
Is Iraq or Sri Lanka better for retirement?
Sri Lanka's life expectancy of 77.5 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, climat...
Is Iraq or Sri Lanka more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Sri Lanka, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Sri Lanka offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Iraq or Sri Lanka better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Sri Lanka, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Sri Lanka covers 1. Sri Lanka's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...