Iraq counts 46.1 million in historic 2024 census

Iraq has conducted its first official census in nearly 40 years, revealing that its population has reached 46.1 million. This census follows a long gap since the last comprehensive count, which had last been conducted in 1977 and was significantly hindered by years of conflict and demographic changes. The preliminary estimates in November 2023 indicated a population of 45.407 million, showing a substantial increase of over 1 million individuals in the final count. The Iraqi government considers this census to be a significant milestone, vital for planning and the equitable distribution of resources throughout the country. The Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim emphasized that the findings from this census will facilitate better understanding of economic, educational, and housing conditions, which are necessary for effective future governance. Data gathered includes breakdowns both for the overall population and specifically for the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, highlighting differences in urbanization, employment, and education. In federal Iraq, approximately 70.2% of the population resides in urban areas, while this figure significantly rises to 84.6% in Kurdish urban regions. Employment statistics also show that the Kurdish region has a higher economically active population, at 46%, compared to 41.6% in other areas of Iraq. Furthermore, children’s enrollment in primary education is notably higher in the Kurdish areas, with 93% compared to 88% in federal zones. Conversely, federal Iraq shows better home ownership rates, access to potable water, and state electricity, indicating ongoing disparities in living conditions. The Iraqi government, focusing on recovering from decades marked by war and instability, aims to utilize this census data not only to address urgent needs but also to ensure a fairer allocation of resources among the provinces. The Minister highlighted that this census marks a commitment to improving the living situations of the Iraqi people and represents a strategic step towards nation-building in a tumultuous regional context.