Iraq/Society

Society in Iraq

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
45.1M(2023)
Population Growth
2.3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
3.25(2023)
Death Rate
4.1 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-17.7K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
72.3 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
22.6 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
66 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
4.3%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
86%(2017)
Primary Enrollment
92.8%(2007)
Secondary Enrollment
50.5%(2007)
Tertiary Enrollment
15.5(2005)
Education Expenditure
3.6%(1989)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
81.7%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
98.4%(2022)
Urban Population
32.3M(2023)
Rural Population
12.8M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Iraq

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Iraq has an estimated population of 45.1M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.3%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. With a fertility rate of 3.2 births per woman
    2023
    , the population maintains momentum, necessitating strategic investments in social infrastructure. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 18K individuals annually (or -0.4 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 72.3 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 22.6 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 66 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 4.3% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 86%
    2017
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 93% of children
    2007
    , secondary enrollment at 50%
    2007
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.6% of GDP
    1989
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 72% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 100% electricity access
    2023
    and 82% internet penetration
    2023
    , supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.