Iraq's Population Surpasses 45 Million: Key Census Findings
Iraq's population has officially reached 45.4 million, according to preliminary results from the first national census conducted since 1987. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the findings during a press conference, revealing that the population includes both foreigners and refugees. The census, which was completed last week, marks a significant milestone for the country, which has faced numerous challenges, including wars and political disputes that delayed previous attempts at counting its citizens.
The census indicates that 60.2% of the population falls within the working-age group of 15 to 64 years, suggesting that Iraq is entering a phase of demographic boom. Notably, children under the age of 15 account for 36.1% of the population, and the average family size is reported to be 5.3 individuals. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with males constituting 50.1% and females 49.8% of the population.
Historical Context and Implications of the Census
The last census in Iraq was conducted nearly 40 years ago, in 1987, when the population was approximately 18 million. The recent census included all 18 provinces of Iraq, overcoming previous exclusions of the Kurdistan Region, which has a population of over 6.3 million. The census results are crucial for various reasons, including budget allocation and parliamentary representation.
The annual population growth rate is currently estimated at 2.3%, attributed to changing fertility patterns in the country. This demographic data will be vital for policymakers as Iraq navigates its socio-economic challenges and opportunities in the coming years.
