United Kingdom vs Iran
Every indicator for United Kingdom and Iran side by side, with the percentage gap between them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
| Indicator | United Kingdom | Iran | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) (people) | 69,487,000 | 92,417,681 | −24.8% |
| GDP (nominal) (billion $) | 4,003 | 363 | +1,002.8% |
| GDP per capita ($) | 57,602 | 3,924 | +1,367.9% |
| Life expectancy (years) | 81.4 | 77.9 | — |
| Area (km²) | 243,610 | 1,745,150 | −86.0% |
| Population density (people/km²) | 285 | 53 | +438.6% |
| Median age (years) | 40.6 | 33.8 | — |
| Internet usage (%) | 95.5 | 85.3 | — |
| Unemployment rate (%) | 4.7 | 8.3 | — |
| Inflation (%) | 3.9 | 42.2 | — |
| Urban population (%) | 83.3 | 77.4 | — |
| Military expenditure (2024) (million $) | 81,763 | 7,892 | +936.0% |
| Military expenditure as a share of GDP (%) | 2.28 | 2.01 | +13.4% |
| Military expenditure as a share of government spending (%) | 5.25 | 12.55 | −58.2% |
| Military expenditure per capita ($) | 1,177 | 85 | +1,277.9% |
| Armed forces personnel (2020) (people) | 153,000 | 650,000 | −76.5% |
| Armed forces per 1,000 people (people) | 2.2 | 7.0 | −68.7% |
| Armed forces as a share of the labor force (%) | 0.45 | 2.35 | −80.9% |
The difference column shows the percentage gap of United Kingdom relative to Iran; a positive value favors United Kingdom. Interpret it in context — for unemployment, a lower value is better.
At a glance
Neither side dominates: United Kingdom is higher on 6 of 12 indicators, Iran on 6. The widest separation is in gdp per capita (about 15×); they are closest on military expenditure as a share of gdp.
Key differences
- GDP per capita shows the widest gap of all: United Kingdom stands at 57,602 against Iran's 3,924 — roughly 15 times as much.
- Military expenditure per capita shows the widest gap of all: United Kingdom stands at 1,177 against Iran's 85 — roughly 14 times as much.
- GDP (nominal) shows the widest gap of all: United Kingdom stands at 4,003 against Iran's 363 — roughly 11 times as much.
- Military expenditure (2024) shows the widest gap of all: United Kingdom stands at 81,763 against Iran's 7,892 — roughly 10 times as much.
- Iran's area (1,745,150) is about 7.2 times United Kingdom's (243,610).
Frequently asked questions
Where do United Kingdom and Iran differ most?
Where are United Kingdom and Iran most alike?
On how many indicators is United Kingdom 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 Kingdom or Iran.
United Kingdom profile →
All statistics, series, and details.
Iran profile →
All statistics, series, and details.