Planning Ministry Announces Key Census Results: Population Reaches 46 Million 118 Thousand

 
Baghdad – INA
Ministry of Planning has released the key findings of the national census, revealing that the country’s population has reached 46 million 118 thousand, an increase from the 45 million 407 thousand reported in preliminary results last November.

 

 
 
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
 
According to the report, 70.17% of Iraq’s population resides in urban areas, while 29.83% live in rural regions. In the Kurdistan Region, the urban population is even higher, reaching 84.57%, compared to 15.43% in rural areas.

 

 
Gender Ratio
 
Gender ratio stands at 101 males per 100 females, closely aligning with the global average.

 

 
Age Distribution
Under five years old: 11.16%
Children (5-14 years): 24.74%
Working-age population (15-64 years): 60.44%
Elderly (65+ years): 3.66%
 
In the Kurdistan Region, the figures are slightly different, Under five years old 9.92%, Children (5-14 years) 21.76%, with a higher proportion of working-age individuals (63.92%) and elderly residents (4.4%).
 
 
Marriage Trends
 
The average age at first marriage is 22.24 years, with men marrying at an average of 24.06 years and women at 20.7 years. The median age of married couples is 23 for males and 20 for females.
 
Marital Status Breakdown
 
 
Single: 41.6%
Married: 54.01%
Divorced: 1.28%
Widowed: 2.8%
Separated: 0.24%
 
Kurdistan Region:
Single: 41%
Married: 55.83%
Divorced: 0.66%
Widowed: 2.18%
Separated: 0.33%
 
Birth & Mortality Rates
Maternal mortality: 26.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in Iraq, rising to 34.3 in Kurdistan.
Total fertility rate: 3.9 children per woman in Iraq, slightly lower in Kurdistan at 3.5.

 

Economic Activity
Economically active population (15 years and older): 41.61% in Iraq, 46.06% in Kurdistan.
Public sector employment: 38.25% of the workforce in Iraq, 37.18% in Kurdistan.
 
Education & Literacy
Literacy rate (10 years and older): 15.31% of Iraq’s population is illiterate, with a slightly higher rate in Kurdistan (16.23%).
School enrollment (primary & secondary): 51.5% male, 48.5% female.
Primary school enrollment: 88% in Iraq, 93% in Kurdistan.
 
The Ministry of Planning considers this a positive indicator but notes that some children remain out of school or drop out.
 
Access to Essential Services
 
Water & Electricity
Access to drinking water at home: 87% in Iraq, 82% in Kurdistan.
Public electricity supply: 98% of households in Iraq, 93% in Kurdistan.
 
 
Waste Management & Sanitation
Households relying on waste collectors: 58%.
Households burning waste (environmental concern): 13%.
Access to a sewage network: 44% in Iraq, 49% in Kurdistan.
 
Housing & Home Ownership
Homeownership rate: 72.15% in Iraq, 70.19% in Kurdistan.
 
The census results provide crucial insights into Iraq’s demographic and economic landscape, highlighting areas that require further development, particularly in infrastructure, education, and environmental sustainability.