After nearly four decades, Iraq has unveiled the final results of its first census, revealing a population of 46.1 million. This figure marks a significant increase from the unofficial count of 31.6 million in 2009.
The census, hailed as a milestone by Iraqi officials, is expected to provide crucial data for future planning and resource distribution in the country. The Iraqi Planning Minister emphasized the government's commitment to improving conditions based on the insights gained from the census.
With a focus on security and economic development amidst regional challenges, the census offers detailed information on economic, educational, and housing conditions. Notably, urban areas in federal Iraq house 70.2% of the population, while the Kurdish region in the north has 84.6% of its population residing in urban areas.
Employment rates were higher in the Kurdish region, with 46% of the population economically active compared to 41.6% in federal areas. Additionally, children's enrollment in primary school was reported at 93% in Kurdish areas and 88% in federal Iraq.
While the Kurdish region excelled in certain areas, federal Iraq boasted higher rates of home ownership and access to essential services like potable water and state electricity. The data collected from the census is expected to facilitate a fairer distribution of resources across provinces, promoting more equitable resource allocation.
The successful completion of the 2024 census, with a final count exceeding 1 million over the preliminary estimate, signifies a significant step forward for Iraq in its efforts to enhance planning and development strategies.
