Iraq: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Iraq — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Iraq has a population of 38,433,600 spread across 438,317 km², giving it an average density of 87.7 people per km².

Demographics

Population Trends

How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Iraq is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 41% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.

Tourism

Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 1.9% of Iraq's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Iraq has 1.02 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.

Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure

Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Iraq, 82% of the population uses the internet — expect widely available WiFi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. There are 101 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.

Source: World Bank Open Data