Iran vs Dominican Republic
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Iran is 8.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 3.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 33.9 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 3.9 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
IranDominican Republic| Population | +698.0%86.0M | -87.5%10.8M |
| Area | +3286.4%1,648,195 km² | -97.0%48,671 km² |
| GDP | +282.4%$475.3B | -73.8%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -52.3%$5,190.17 | +109.5%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%77.7 yrs | -5.1%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.3%10.7 | +165.4%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +63.0%8.3% | -38.7%5.1% |
| Capital | Tehran | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Spanish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | DOP ($) |
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
Iran is 8.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 86.0M residents compared to 10.8M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 3.8 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 3.9 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 165% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 33.9 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Dominican Republic belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Dominican Republic is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Dominican Republic is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 2.1x that of Iran ($5,190.17). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 4.2x more densely populated than Iran (221 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 3.9 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (77.7 vs 73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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.
Iran vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Iran vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Iran'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, Iran or Dominican Republic by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Iran is 8.0 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Dominican Republic?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Iran's economy is 3.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Dominican Republic?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.9 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Dominican Republic?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Iran is 33.9 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Dominican Republic?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Iran or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may off...
Is Iran or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is Iran or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living vari...
Is Iran or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...