Iraq

The population of Iraq is approximately 48M (2024).

The capital of Iraq is Baghdad.

Iraq's GDP per capita is $5.9K (2024).

Life expectancy in Iraq is 72.42 years (2024).

Iraq covers 438,317 km² (169,235 sq mi).

Iraq has a moderate population density of 110 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Iraq's population is growing rapidly at 2.1% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Iraq falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $5.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Iraq's intentional homicide rate is 9.5 per 100,000 people, above the global average.

Iraq has 3 official languages: Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani.

Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar (ع.د) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Iraq are March, April, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.

According to latest estimates, the population of Iraq is approximately 48 million people. The country is experiencing steady growth with an annual population growth rate of 2.1%. This makes it the 34th largest country in the world by population and the second largest in the Western Asia subregion.

The latest data indicates a GDP per capita of approximately 5,887 USD for Iraq. This figure places the nation at rank 128 of 212 globally and 25 of 48 within the Asia region. The economy is largely supported by its vast natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas.

Iraq has an adult literacy rate of approximately 84.1%, according to the most recent available data. This performance places the country at rank 115 of 170 in global literacy rankings. The government continues to focus on educational infrastructure to improve access to learning across its urban and rural populations.

Recent estimates show that approximately 81.5% of the population in Iraq are internet users. This high level of connectivity gives the country a global rank of 104 of 212 for internet penetration. Digital access has expanded rapidly, supporting social connectivity and emerging economic sectors outside of traditional oil production.

Life expectancy at birth in Iraq is currently estimated at 72.4 years. This health indicator places the nation at rank 130 of 215 globally according to the latest available data. Factors such as improved healthcare access and urban development have influenced these demographic trends over the last decade.

A significant majority of Iraq's population lives in urban areas, with latest data showing that 69.9% of people reside in cities. This urbanization is centered around major hubs like Baghdad, the capital. The population density is approximately 110.6 people per km² (286.5 sq mi), reflecting concentrated growth in fertile regions.

Current estimates show the estimated 2026 population of Iraq is approximately 48 million people. This figure is derived from the latest official 2024 data of 46,042,015 residents, adjusted for an annual growth rate of 2.12%. Iraq remains one of the most populous and fastest-growing countries in the Middle East.

Iraq currently holds a global population rank of 34 out of 215 countries and territories. In its regional context, it ranks 14th out of 49 countries in Asia and is the 2nd most populous country among the 17 nations in the Western Asia subregion, trailing only Turkey.

Iraq is growing at an annual rate of 2.12%, which is significantly higher than the global average. This growth is driven by approximately 3,227 births every day, compared to only 526 deaths. This results in a net daily population increase of about 2,680 people, accounting for migration patterns.

The current estimated 2026 population density is 110.6 people per km² (286.5 per sq mi). This places Iraq 102nd globally for density. Most of the population is concentrated in the fertile Mesopotamian plains, while the western desert areas have much lower concentrations of residents.

The fertility rate in Iraq is 3.22 births per woman according to the latest official 2024 data. This rate is ranked 49th highest in the world. This high fertility, combined with a crude birth rate of 25.58 per 1,000 people, is the primary driver of the country's rapid growth.

Recent data indicates that 69.89% of Iraq's population lives in urban areas. This urbanization rank of 89th worldwide reflects a long-term trend of migration from rural agricultural zones to major economic centers like Baghdad and Basra, driven by economic opportunities and the expansion of the service sector.