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Iraq’s population surpasses 45 million after first census in decades

Iraq's population surpasses 45 million after first census in decades An Iraqi man, carrying the flag of Iraq, walks down an empty corniche in Basra in southern Iraq, on November 20, 2024, during a two-day curfew as Iraq holds its first nationwide census. (AFP Photo)
By Newsroom
Nov 25, 2024 3:36 PM

Iraq‘s population has exceeded 45 million, with over a third under the age of 15, according to preliminary results from the country’s first comprehensive census in nearly four decades.

The census, conducted on Nov. 20-21, covered all 18 governorates, including the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) region, for the first time since 1987.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated during a press conference that the census revealed a population of 45.4 million, including foreigners and refugees.

Demographics in Iraq shows youthful population

The census found that 36.1% of Iraq’s population is under 15 years old, while 60.2% are of working age (15-64). Those aged 65 and above account for 3.7%. The average Iraqi family comprises about 5.3 members, with an annual population growth rate of 2.3%.

In the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government region, the population exceeded 6.3 million, with 63.7% of residents in the working-age category.

Urban residents constitute 84% of the region’s population, while 16% live in rural areas.

Census key for policy and representation

The nationwide census collected extensive demographic and economic data, including health, education, employment, and living standards.

This information is seen as critical for determining parliamentary representation, budget allocations, and public policy development.

The last census conducted in 1987 reported Iraq’s population at 18 million, with subsequent counts either partial or incomplete because of conflicts and political divisions.

Last Updated:  Nov 25, 2024 3:36 PM