Economic Insights from Iraq’s Recent Population Census
On February 26, 2025, economic expert Nasser Al-Tamimi emphasized the critical steps that must follow the official announcement of Iraq’s general population and housing census.
Significance of the Census
In a recent discussion, Al-Tamimi highlighted that the true value of the census lies in the official and final data dissemination. This information will shed light on the pressing issues faced by Iraqis, including pervasive poverty, unemployment, and a significant housing crisis, alongside deficiencies in essential services such as electricity, water, and sewage.
Al-Tamimi urged that the authorities must take a proactive approach in addressing these statistics, asserting that it is imperative to implement genuine solutions to ongoing challenges affecting the Iraqi population. He warned that, without such action, the census would be rendered meaningless, merely providing numbers without leading to effective governmental responses.
Key Census Findings
The Iraqi Ministry of Planning unveiled the preliminary findings of the general population census, revealing that the population of Iraq has reached approximately 46.1 million. This figure marks an increase of nearly 39.6 million since the last census conducted in 1957, when Iraq’s population was recorded at around 6.5 million.
According to the ministry’s announcement, the population distribution in 2024 indicates that 70.17% reside in urban areas, while 29.83% live in rural environments across Iraq. For the Kurdistan Region specifically, the urban population constitutes 84.57%, compared to 15.43% in rural regions.
Conclusion
The recent census provides a critical foundation for addressing socioeconomic challenges in Iraq. Decision-makers must harness this data to formulate strategies aimed at improving living conditions and enhancing service delivery to the population. The emphasis on actionable follow-through will be crucial in ensuring that the census serves as a catalyst for real change in the country’s economic landscape.
