Iraq’s first census in nearly 40 years has revealed a population of 46.1 million, according to final results. An unofficial count in 2009 had estimated the population at 31.6 million.
Iraqi officials have hailed the census as a milestone, emphasizing its importance for future planning and resource distribution. Speaking at a press conference, Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim stated that the census “demonstrates the government’s determination” to improve conditions in the country.
As Iraq works to strengthen security after decades of conflict and instability, the government is also focusing on economic development amid regional upheaval. The census provides detailed data on economic, educational, and housing conditions, with separate analyses for Iraq as a whole and the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in the north.
In federal Iraq, 70.2% of the population resides in urban areas, compared to 84.6% in the Kurdish region. Employment rates are also higher in the Kurdish areas, with 46% of the population economically active, compared to 41.6% in federal Iraq. Primary school enrollment stands at 93% in Kurdish areas, slightly above the 88% rate in federal Iraq.
However, federal Iraq reports higher rates of home ownership and better access to potable water and state electricity.
Tamim stressed that the data will help ensure a fairer distribution of resources across provinces.
“For the first time in four decades, Iraq has successfully conducted a full census, helping ensure more equitable resource allocation,” he said.
(Source: ABC News)
