Iraq
Republic of Iraq
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.35%
With a population of roughly 46.1 million, Iraq ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 438,317 km², translating to a density of 105 people per km². Its capital is Baghdad, and official languages include Arabic, Aramaic, and Sorani, while the Iraqi dinar serves as the national currency.
Population
46,118,793
Area
438,317 km²
Density
105/km²
World Rank
#34
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 25.7 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 4.1 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 36.6% of the population is under 15, while only 3.4% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
- Currencies
- Iraqi dinar (ع.د)
- Calling Code
- +964
- Top-Level Domain
- .iq
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 46,118,793
- Land Area
- 438,317 km²
- Population Density
- 105 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.35%
- Annual Growth
- +1,083,792 people
- Daily Growth
- +2,969 people
- World Population Share
- 0.57%
- Coordinates
- 33.00°, 44.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $6.1k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 15.5%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.8.
Life Expectancy
72.3 years
GDP per Capita
$6,074
Birth Rate
25.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
69.9%
Fertility Rate
3.25 births/woman
Infant Mortality
20.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
15.5%
Literacy Rate
84.1%
Internet Users
81.7%
Under 15
36.6%
Over 65
3.4%
Health Spending
5.5% GDP
Gini Index
29.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
16.9M
15-64 years
27.7M
65+ years
1.6M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 69.9% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Baghdad, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 1064.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
32.2M
69.9%
13.9M
30.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 20.8 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 84.1% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Iraq
Iraq has 40 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Iraq is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Iraq participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 46,118,793 |
| 2030 | 50,386,394 |
| 2035 | 55,776,755 |
| 2040 | 61,209,963 |
| 2045 | 66,672,596 |
| 2050 | 72,157,808 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Iraq.
Largest Cities in Iraq
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Iraq by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Iraq?
The population of Iraq is approximately 46.1 million as of 2026, making it #34 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Iraq?
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad.
What languages are spoken in Iraq?
The main languages spoken in Iraq are Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani.
How big is Iraq?
Iraq covers an area of 438,317 km² with a population density of 105 people per km².
Is Iraq growing or shrinking?
Iraq is growing at a rate of 2.35% per year, adding approximately 1,083,792 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Iraq?
The average life expectancy in Iraq is 72.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Iraq?
The GDP per capita of Iraq is $6,074.