Iraq’s population reaches 46.1 million in first census in nearly 40 years

The census included detailed information on living conditions across Iraq and in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

Updated: February 25, 2025 12:10 PM IST

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Workers prepare to collect information from the public as Iraq began its first nationwide population census in decades, in Najaf, Iraq. (Photo: AP)

Iraq’s first official population census in almost four decades has recorded 46.1 million people, according to final results released on Monday. The count marks a major step for the country’s planning and development, reported Associated Press (AP).

A significant milestone for Iraq

Speaking at a press conference, Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim described the census as a key achievement. “This census demonstrates the government’s determination to improve conditions in the country,” he said, reported AP.

Officials believe the data will help with resource distribution and economic planning after years of conflict and instability.

Urban and economic differences between regions

The census included detailed information on living conditions across Iraq and in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

AP reported that 70.2% of the population in federal Iraq lives in urban areas, while the figure is higher in the Kurdish region at 84.6%. Employment rates were also stronger in Kurdish areas, where 46% of the population was economically active, compared to 41.6% in federal Iraq.

Also read | Why Iraq is (slowly) sinking into Earth

Educational data showed that primary school enrollment was 93% in the Kurdish region, compared to 88% in the rest of Iraq. However, federal Iraq had better access to basic services like potable water, electricity, and home ownership.

Fairer distribution of resources

Minister Tamim emphasised that the census would help allocate resources more fairly across the country. “For the first time in four decades, Iraq has successfully conducted a full census, helping ensure more equitable resource allocation,” he stated, according to AP.

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The final 2024 count of 46.1 million represents an increase of more than 1 million over the preliminary estimate of 45.4 million released in November. In 2009, an unofficial estimate put Iraq’s population at 31.6 million.

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