Iraq’s First Census in Nearly 40 Years Reveals a Nation in Transformation

A Historic Milestone: Iraq’s Population Surpasses 46 Million

Iraq has reached a significant milestone with the release of the final results of its first census in nearly 40 years. The census, which was conducted in 2024, revealed that the country’s population has grown to 46.1 million people. This marks a substantial increase from the unofficial estimate of 31.6 million in 2009. Iraqi officials have hailed the census as a major achievement, emphasizing its importance for future planning and resource distribution. Speaking at a press conference, Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim highlighted the government’s commitment to improving living conditions, stating that the census “demonstrates the government’s determination” to drive progress in the country.

A Nation Healing and Rebuilding: The Context of the Census

The census comes at a critical time for Iraq, as the country seeks to consolidate security gains after decades of war and instability. With the region facing ongoing upheaval, Iraq is also focused on revitalizing its economy and ensuring sustainable development. The census provides a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s economic, educational, and housing conditions, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. The data collected during the census will serve as a foundation for policymakers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and development priorities.

Urbanization and Regional Disparities: Key Findings of the Census

The census revealed significant differences in urbanization rates and economic conditions across Iraq. In federal Iraq, approximately 70.2% of the population resides in urban areas, while in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in the north, a remarkable 84.6% of the population lives in urban centers. The Kurdish region also reported higher employment rates, with 46% of the population economically active, compared to 41.6% in the rest of the country. Additionally, the census highlighted disparities in education, with 93% of children in Kurdish areas enrolled in primary school, compared to 88% in federal Iraq.

Infrastructure and Access to Basic Services: A Tale of Two Regions

While the Kurdish region excels in employment and education, federal Iraq fares better in terms of home ownership and access to essential services. The census data showed that federal areas have higher rates of home ownership and better access to potable water and state electricity. These findings underscore the uneven distribution of resources across the country and the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities. Minister Tamim emphasized that the census data will enable a more equitable allocation of resources, ensuring that all provinces benefit from government initiatives.

A Path to Equitable Resource Distribution: The Promise of the Census

The successful completion of the census marks a turning point for Iraq, as it provides the government with the tools to implement policies that promote fairness and equality. For the first time in four decades, Iraq has achieved a comprehensive count of its population, paving the way for more accurate and equitable resource distribution. The final census results, which exceeded preliminary estimates by over 1 million people, highlight the importance of accurate data in shaping the country’s future. By leveraging this information, Iraq can address pressing challenges and ensure that all regions and communities benefit from development efforts.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Iraq

As Iraq continues to recover from years of conflict and instability, the census represents a beacon of hope for a more prosperous and equitable future. The data collected during this historic exercise will guide policymakers in making informed decisions about education, employment, housing, and infrastructure. By addressing regional disparities and ensuring access to basic services, Iraq can build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. The completion of the census is not just a statistical exercise; it is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and creating a brighter future for generations to come.