Iraq's population surges to 45.4 million after decades of conflict

In early November 2024, Iraq conducted its first national census in nearly 40 years, revealing that the population has grown to approximately 45.4 million. This census was a vital step towards modernizing data collection and planning within a country deeply affected by conflict and political instability. The prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the findings, highlighting that the 2024 count significantly increased from an unofficial estimate of 31.6 million in 2009. The gender distribution among the population shows a near-even split, with males constituting 50.1% and females 49.8%. Given Iraq's history of challenges in accurately assessing demographics, this census was crucial for addressing resource distribution, budget allocations, and development planning. The preliminary results also underscore the importance of providing insights for political representation, especially for minority groups who may feel their status could diminish. Moreover, the Iraqi federal court barred the inclusion of questions about ethnicity and sectarian affiliation, which has sparked debates concerning the implications for identity politics and resource sharing in the nation. The methodology utilized in this census incorporated advanced technologies for data gathering, allowing for a detailed overview of Iraq's demographic and socio-economic landscape with approximately 120,000 workers participating across the country. While the next phase of the census will continue in the coming weeks and will include further demographic insights regarding religious groups, the preliminary results mark a significant step toward establishing a more accurate understanding of Iraq's population dynamics. Observers and experts will be closely watching how these numbers affect social and political landscapes moving forward.