IraqJordan
Iraq has a population of 46.1M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Iraq is 3.9 times more populous than Jordan. Economically, Iraq ($279.6B) has a GDP 5.2 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Iraq covers 438,317 km², 4.9 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 5.5 years higher than Iraq's 72.3 years.
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Metric
IraqJordan| Population | 46.1M | 11.7M |
| Area | 438,317 km² | 89,342 km² |
| GDP | $279.6B | $53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,073.61 | $4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.3 yrs | 77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 20.8 | 12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 15.5% | 16.5% |
| Capital | Baghdad | Amman |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani | Arabic |
| Currencies | IQD (ع.د) | JOD (د.ا) |
Last updated: April 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 3.9 times more populous than Jordan, with 46.1M residents compared to 11.7M. Iraq is a nation of 46.1M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Iraq averages 105 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). Jordan has grown at 3.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iraq.
Economy Comparison
Iraq is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iraq economy ($279.6B) is 5.2 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Iraq's GDP per capita of $6,073.61 is 46% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% 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 Jordan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 5.5 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 70% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Iraq (438,317 km²) is 4.9 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Iraq shares borders with 6 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Iraq spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Both Iraq and Jordan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iraq and Jordan is in GDP: Iraq's $279.6B compared to Jordan's $53.4B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Jordan is in land area: Iraq's 438,317 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Iraq and Jordan is in population: Iraq's 46.1M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iraq's upper-middle-income economy and Jordan'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 Jordan ($4,618.096). 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
Jordan is 1.2x more densely populated than Iraq (131 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 Jordan live an average of 5.5 years longer than those of Iraq (77.8 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
Jordan's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Iraq's -1.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Jordan has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Iraq's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iraq vs Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iraq vs Jordan for Budget Travelers
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan Cost of Living
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Jordan can approach or exceed average costs in Iraq's smaller cities.
Iraq vs Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan'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 Jordan by population?
Iraq is larger by population, with 46.1M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Iraq is 3.9 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iraq or Jordan?
Iraq has the higher GDP at $279.6B, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Iraq's economy is 5.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iraq and Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Iraq's 72.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.5 years. Iraq's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iraq or Jordan?
Iraq is larger by land area, covering 438,317 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Iraq is 4.9 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Iraq and Jordan?
Iraq recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iraq or Jordan?
Iraq has lower inflation at -12.3%, compared to Jordan's 1.6%. Iraq's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Jordan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Iraq or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 attr...
Is Iraq or Jordan cheaper to visit?
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iraq. However, Iraq may offer better value in spec...
Is Iraq or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 p...
Is Iraq or Jordan more expensive to live in?
Iraq's GDP per capita is 1.3x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iraq, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iraq or Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iraq and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iraq spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Jordan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both ...