Baghdad – Iraq’s population growth trends continue to shape the country’s future, according to new projections from the Ministry of Planning. Officials estimate Iraq’s population will reach nearly 49 million by 2028.
This projection aligns with data from Iraq’s national census conducted in November 2024. The Ministry released its latest report to guide future planning.
Spokesperson Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi spoke with Al-Sabah newspaper to explain the demographic shift. He noted Iraq still has one of the world’s highest growth rates, driven by high fertility.
Although fertility rates are gradually declining, they remain high. Meanwhile, the working-age population is steadily increasing, shifting Iraq’s demographic structure.
In 2018, Iraq’s growth rate stood at 2.6%. By 2022, that rate declined slightly to 2.5%. Despite this, Iraq’s population grew by about 840,000 people per year.
From 2018 to 2022, Iraq’s population rose from 38.1 million to 42.3 million. That figure includes the Kurdistan Region. Projections indicate growth will continue, reaching 48.9 million by 2028.
Al-Hindawi emphasized the need to integrate demographic data into economic and infrastructure planning. He called for greater investment in human capital across all sectors.
He also warned that high fertility increases pressure on national resources. Iraq must expand infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population.
Al-Hindawi said growing population numbers require broader service coverage, including housing, health, and education. This makes urban planning more urgent than ever.
Internal migration poses another challenge. Many people are moving into major cities, overwhelming public services. This trend fuels informal housing and social strain.
Al-Hindawi cited the imbalance between public and private employment. In 2023, the public sector employed over 4 million people. Meanwhile, fewer than 400,000 private workers were registered with social security.
Clearly, Iraq’s population growth trends impact more than just numbers. They affect the economy, labor force, and living conditions. Iraq must act now to ensure sustainable development.
Officials agree that policy changes must match population realities. Otherwise, demand will quickly outpace supply, especially in urban areas.
Addressing Iraq’s population growth trends through integrated planning will be vital for a stable and prosperous future.
