Iraq vs Benin
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Iraq is 3.5 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 13.0 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 3.9 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Iraq stands at 72.3 years, 11.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
IraqBenin| Population | +248.7%46.1M | -71.3%13.2M |
| Area | +289.2%438,317 km² | -74.3%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +1201.7%$279.6B | -92.3%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +308.9%$6,073.61 | -75.5%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.0%72.3 yrs | -16.0%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -55.2%20.8 | +123.1%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +874.5%15.5% | -89.7%1.6% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Porto-Novo |
| 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 3.5 times more populous than Benin, with 46.1M residents compared to 13.2M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). 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 Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 13.0 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iraq are on average 4.1 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 11.5 years. Iraq (72.3 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 123% higher than Iraq's 20.8.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 3.9 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Iraq lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. Iraq is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Benin is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Benin is in GDP per capita: Iraq's $6,073.61 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Benin is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Benin'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 4.1x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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
Benin is 1.1x more densely populated than Iraq (117 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 Iraq live an average of 11.5 years longer than those of Benin (72.3 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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 Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Iraq is 3.5 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Benin?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Iraq's economy is 13.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Benin?
Iraq has a higher life expectancy at 72.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.5 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Benin?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Iraq is 3.9 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Benin?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Benin?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Benin's 1.2%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Benin's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iraq generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.8 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Iraq or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in specifi...
Is Iraq or Benin better for retirement?
Iraq's life expectancy of 72.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iraq or Benin more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 4.1x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iraq or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...