United States vs Iran
Every indicator for United States and Iran side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | United States | Iran | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 341,784,857 | 92,417,681 | +269.8% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 30,770 | 363 | +8,376.6% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 90,027 | 3,924 | +2,194.3% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 78.9 | 77.9 | — |
| Area (km²) | 9,831,510 | 1,745,150 | +463.4% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 35 | 53 | −34.4% |
| Median age (years) | 38.3 | 33.8 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 94.7 | 85.3 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.2 | 8.3 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 2.9 | 42.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 80.2 | 77.4 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 997,309 | 7,892 | +12,537.0% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 3.42 | 2.01 | +70.1% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 9.11 | 12.55 | −27.4% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 2,918 | 85 | +3,317.0% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 1,395,000 | 650,000 | +114.6% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 4.1 | 7.0 | −42.0% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.84 | 2.35 | −64.3% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of United States relative to Iran; a positive value favors United States. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
United States is higher on 8 of the 12 indicators, while Iran leads on the remaining 4. The widest separation is in military expenditure (2024), about 126 times; they are closest on military expenditure as a share of government spending.
Key differences
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 997,309 against Iran's 7,892 — roughly 126 times as much.
- GDP (nominal) shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 30,770 against Iran's 363 — roughly 85 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 2,918 against Iran's 85 — roughly 34 times as much.
- GDP per capita shows the widest gap of all: United States stands at 90,027 against Iran's 3,924 — roughly 23 times as much.
- United States's area (9,831,510) is about 5.6 times Iran's (1,745,150).
Frequently asked questions
Where do United States and Iran differ most?
Where are United States and Iran most alike?
On how many indicators is United States ahead of Iran?
The indicators use different scales, so the chart is a rough visual comparison only; use the table for exact figures.
Related comparisons
Other comparisons involving United States or Iran.
United States profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Iran profile →
All statistics, series, and details.