Iraq’s Poverty Rate Shows Significant Decline Amid Government Initiatives
The Iraqi Ministry of Planning has reported a notable reduction in the country’s poverty rate, attributing this positive trend to recent governmental policies. As of 2024, the poverty rate has decreased to 17.6 percent, down from 21.5 percent in 2022, reflecting the impact of ongoing economic reforms.
Upcoming Census Results Announcement
In light of these developments, the Ministry has announced that the final results of the general population and housing census will be revealed on February 24, 2024. This will be followed by the release of detailed economic and social surveys outlining indicators of poverty and unemployment on February 26, 2024, providing further insights into the socio-economic landscape across Iraq’s various governorates.
First Comprehensive Census in Over Three Decades
Iraq’s first comprehensive population census in 37 years took place on November 20 and 21, 2024. The census revealed that Iraq’s population has surpassed 45 million, with a growth rate of 2.3%. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani confirmed that the population total stands at 45,407,495, which includes both citizens and non-citizens, with approximately 7.9 million families recorded.
Demographic Breakdown
In a press conference, Prime Minister Sudani provided a demographic breakdown of the population:
- Total Population: 45,407,495
- Total Families: 7,898,588
- Males: 22,784,062 (50.1%)
- Females: 22,623,833 (49.8%)
Furthermore, the census revealed that housing in Iraq totals approximately 8,037,221 units. The Prime Minister indicated that the floor ratio stands at 92.1%, with apartments comprising 6.6%, while informal housing accounts for 4%.
Age Demographics
The census also indicated that 36.1% of the population is under the age of 15, while those aged 65 and older make up 3.7%. This age distribution underscores the importance of addressing both youth and elderly demographics in future economic planning and social policies.
Overall, these statistics reflect the government’s efforts to tackle poverty and improve living conditions in Iraq, providing a clearer picture of the nation’s demographic and economic realities as it moves forward.
