Iraq vs Zambia
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Zambia. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 11.1 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Zambia covers 752,612 km², 1.7 times larger than Iraq's 438,317 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 6.0 years higher than Zambia's 66.3 years.
IraqZambia| Population | +134.2%46.1M | -57.3%19.7M |
| Area | -41.8%438,317 km² | +71.7%752,612 km² |
| GDP | +1005.2%$279.6B | -91.0%$25.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +411.6%$6,073.61 | -80.5%$1,187.109 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.0%72.3 yrs | -8.3%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -32.7%20.8 | +48.6%30.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +161.7%15.5% | -61.8%5.9% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Lusaka |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | English |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | ZMW (ZK) |
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 Zambia, with 46.1M residents compared to 19.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Zambia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Zambia averages 26 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 Zambia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 11.1 times larger than Zambia's ($25.3B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Zambia's GDP per capita of $1,187.109 is 46% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 5.1 times wealthier than those in Zambia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 66.3 years in Zambia, a gap of 6.0 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Zambia (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 30.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Zambia's infant mortality is 49% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Zambia (752,612 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Iraq (438,317 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Zambia borders 8 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Zambia's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Zambia is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Zambia belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Zambia is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Zambia's $25.3B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Zambia is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Zambia's $1,187.109 represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Zambia is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Zambia's 19.7M represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Zambia'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 5.1x that of Zambia ($1,187.109). 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 4.0x more densely populated than Zambia (105 vs 26 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Zambia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iraq live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Zambia (72.3 vs 66.3 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
Zambia's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Zambia has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Zambia for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia 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 Zambia for Budget Travelers
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia 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 Zambia for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Zambia can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Zambia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia'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 Zambia by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Zambia's 19.7M. Iraq is 2.3 times more populous than Zambia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Zambia?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Zambia's $25.3B. Iraq's economy is 11.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Zambia?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Zambia's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Zambia's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Zambia?
Zambia is larger by land area, covering 752,612 km² compared to Iraq's 438,317 km². Zambia is 1.7 times larger than Iraq.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Zambia?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Zambia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Zambia?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Zambia's 15.0%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Zambia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 4.3 times the global median.
Is Iraq or Zambia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 30.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Zambia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Iraq or Zambia cheaper to visit?
Zambia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,187.109 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Zambia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Zambia better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Zambia 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 Zambia more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 5.1x that of Zambia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Zambia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Zambia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Zambia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Zambia covers 1. Zambia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...