The Importance of Population Census in Economic Planning: Insights from Yarmouk Center
The Yarmouk Center for Strategic Studies and Planning has underscored the critical role of the recently conducted population census in shaping the economic and developmental landscape of Iraq. Following the official announcement of the census results, the center’s head, Ammar Al-Azzawi, emphasized that accurate statistical data is fundamental for economic growth and effective planning.
Al-Azzawi stated that “economic development and systematic planning are the foundation for national progress, with accurate statistics being pivotal to success.” He highlighted that the population census is not merely an administrative formality but a vital tool for projecting future needs and strategizing accordingly. He noted that while there may be a tendency to view the census through a political lens, it holds significant value for broader developmental objectives. Historically, Iraq has been at the forefront of utilizing population censuses, having conducted them since the 1920s, with the 1957 census serving as a model for effective governance.
The head of the Yarmouk Center insisted that the results of the population census should act as a catalyst for substantial economic activity that will resonate with the populace in the upcoming years.
Recent Census Results
As per the recent findings released by the Ministry of Planning, Iraq’s population has reached approximately 46 million, with 118 thousand residents. Notably, the data indicates that 70.17% of the population resides in urban areas, while 29.83% live in rural settings. In the Kurdistan region, urban residents comprise a substantial 84.57%, leaving 15.43% in rural locales.
In assessing the nation’s economic viability, the census revealed that the economically active demographic, defined as individuals aged 15 and above, constitutes 41.61% of Iraq’s total population. In contrast, the Kurdistan region shows a slightly higher figure at 46.06%. Additionally, government and public sector employment accounts for 38.25% of the total economic population in Iraq and 37.18% in the Kurdistan region.
Educational Attainment and Literacy Rates
The census results also shed light on the educational landscape, revealing an illiteracy rate of 15.31% among individuals aged ten and over in Iraq, with the Kurdistan region recording a marginally higher rate of 16.23%. Conversely, the rate of elementary education completion stands at 88% for Iraq and 93% for the Kurdistan region.
Conclusion
The findings from the latest population census are instrumental in informing strategic economic planning and development initiatives in Iraq. As emphasized by Al-Azzawi, leveraging these statistics will be crucial for creating a resilient economic framework that addresses the needs of the citizenry in the foreseeable future. The intersection of population data and economic planning is a critical pathway to fostering sustainable growth in Iraq’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
