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Photo: Diyar Muhammed · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Iraq
Iraq places highest on External Debt Stocks (% of GNI) (top 4% worldwide) and lowest on Firms with a Female Top Manager (bottom 1%).
Iraq in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
45,074,049
people
since 1950
Land area
434,130
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
12,192
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
72.32
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.695
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
15.48
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Iraq
Key facts about Iraq
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Official languages
- Arabic, Kurdish language
- Currency
- Iraqi dinar (IQD)
- ISO code
- IRQ · IQ
- Domain · dialling
- .iq · +964
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Iraq’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
joint117thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
130thof 201
From 3 of 4 key statistics
124thof 182
From 2 of 4 key statistics
103rdof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint162ndof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
159thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
132ndof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
147thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
168thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
178thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
167thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
170thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Iraq’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Iraq in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Iraq stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Iraq sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Iraq does best5
In the top third of all countries measured. 2 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 5th
Position · derived 106th of 110 · 1 = worst · 6.226 · 2024
world median 43.94 (better)
- 7th
Position · derived 103rd of 109 · 1 = worst · 2.957 · 2024
world median 12.93 (better) · ▲ 8 pts since 2015
- Working Poverty Ratetop 15%
Not ranked by the publisher · 0.1 · 2025
world median 4.885 (better) · ▼ 5 pts since 2015
Not ranked by the publisher · 7.4 · 2024
world median 34.1 (better)
- Access to Electricitytop 28%
Not ranked by the publisher · 100 · 2024
world median 100 · ▲ 23 pts since 2014
Where Iraq struggles most12
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 12 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stOrganic Agricultural Areabottom 2%
Position · derived 150th of 150 · 0 · 2024
world median 0.725 (worse)
- 2ndFirms with a Female Top Managerbottom 1%
Position · derived 178th of 179 · 1.629 · 2025
world median 19.16 (worse)
- 3rdBusiness Ready: Public Servicesbottom 4%
Position · derived 48th of 50 · 21.45 · 2024
world median 50.13 (worse)
- 3rdBusiness Ready: Regulatory Frameworkbottom 4%
Position · derived 48th of 50 · 49.28 · 2024
world median 66.8 (worse)
- 3rd
Position · derived 180th of 182 · 10.94 · 2025
world median 53.36 (worse)
- 4th
Position · derived 47th of 50 · 46.79 · 2024
world median 65.82 (worse)
- 4thGDP Growthbottom 2%
Position · derived 183rd of 186 · -2.156 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 44 pts since 2015
- 6thGender Development Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 179th of 184 · 0.793 · 2023
world median 0.971 (worse)
- 8th
Position · derived 132nd of 139 · 30.16 · 2024
world median 72.83 (worse)
- 8th
Position · derived 204th of 211 · -2.064 · 2024
world median 0.04 (worse)
- 8thSocial Institutions and Gender Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 8th of 140 · 1 = worst · 60 · 2023
world median 25.2 (worse)
- 9thEmployment-to-Population Ratiobottom 4%
Position · derived 174th of 182 · 35.1 · 2025
world median 57.72 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2015
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Iraq can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
97th
of 141 · 1990
126th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
168th
of 173 · 2012
136th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
97th
of 101 · 1995
148th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 29 of 34 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
75th
of 140 · 1995
130th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
116th
of 172 · 2020
128th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Iraq has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Corruption Perceptions Index+20 pts since 2015
- INFORM Severity Index+19 pts since 2020
Losing ground
Where Iraq has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Crop Production Index-54 pts since 2012
- Food Production Index-49 pts since 2012
05In context
Iraq and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Western Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Iraq
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions19
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency47th of 50position · derived46.79Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
bottom 6% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Iraq 46.79 · world median 65.82 (worse)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services48th of 50position · derived21.45Public services score (0–100)2024
bottom 4% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Iraq 21.45 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework48th of 50position · derived49.28Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
bottom 4% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Iraq 49.28 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Civic Space Ratings170th of 198position · derived17.59Civic space score (0–100)2025
bottom 14% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Iraq 17.59 · world median 50.46 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 46%98.8Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 46% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Iraq 98.8 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index136th of 181rank28CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
bottom 24% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Iraq 28 · world median 39 (worse)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt103rd of 109position · derived · 1 = worst2.957Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
top 6% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Iraq 2.957 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)106th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst6.226External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
top 4% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Iraq 6.226 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
No real change since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index128th of 195rank29.37AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 35% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Iraq 29.37 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness187th of 209position · derived-1.102Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
bottom 11% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Iraq -1.102 · world median 0.01 (worse)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Open Data Inventory125th of 168rank45ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 25% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Iraq 45 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2016
Public Sector Wage Bill45th of 168position · derived10.7Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 26% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Iraq 10.7 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality182nd of 209position · derived-1.031Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 13% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iraq -1.031 · world median -0.09 (worse)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Rule of Law193rd of 211position · derived-1.358Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 9% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iraq -1.358 · world median -0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators152nd of 188position · derived53.98SPI overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 19% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Iraq 53.98 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index107th of 176position · derived0.369Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
bottom 39% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Iraq 0.369 · world median 0.497 (worse)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability160th of 208position · derived-1.022Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 23% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iraq -1.022 · world median -0.02 (worse)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Women, Business and the Law178th of 190position · derived48.13WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 6% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Iraq 48.13 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation22
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution132nd of 139position · derived30.16Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
bottom 5% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Iraq 30.16 · world median 72.83 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings53rd of 118position · derived9.444Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 44% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Iraq 9.444 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -31 percentile points since 2011
Agricultural Land143rd of 209position · derived21.83Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 32% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Iraq 21.83 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)104th of 158position · derived3.414Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 34% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Iraq 3.414 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield95th of 179position · derived2,749Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 47% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Iraq 2,749 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Crop Production Index108th of 195position · derived104.22Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 45% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iraq 104.22 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -54 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index130th of 145rank-1.463ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 10% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Iraq -1.463 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare118th of 188position · derived50.53Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 38% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Iraq 50.53 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
No real change since 2013
Food Production Index96th of 195position · derived106.36Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 49% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iraq 106.36 · world median 106.08 (better)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -49 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth183rd of 186position · derived-2.156GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 2% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Iraq -2.156 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -44 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)113th of 185position · derived12,192GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 39% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Iraq 12,192 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)27th of 146position · derived32.01Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 18% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Iraq 32.01 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)9th of 158position · derived45.39Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 5% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Iraq 45.39 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
No real change since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index106th of 169position · derived0.534IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 38% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Iraq 0.534 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index97th of 175rank41.94LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 43% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Iraq 41.94 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Density109th of 188position · derived0.45Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 42% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Iraq 0.45 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Production Index78th of 194position · derived112.05Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 40% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Iraq 112.05 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -38 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index115th of 139rank2.4LPI score (1–5)2023
bottom 15% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Iraq 2.4 · world median 2.9 (worse)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)122nd of 132position · derived3.997Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 8% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Iraq 3.997 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
Net Official Development Assistance Received96th of 130position · derived0.744Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
bottom 26% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Iraq 0.744 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
No real change since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)2nd of 180position · derived43.45Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 1% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Iraq 43.45 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
World Energy Trilemma Index78th of 99rank52.2Trilemma score (0–100)2023
bottom 19% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Iraq 52.2 · world median 63.8 (worse)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked171st of 182position · derived30.32Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 6% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Iraq 30.32 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture114th of 182position · derived8.169Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Iraq 8.169 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry30th of 182position · derived26.54Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 16% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Iraq 26.54 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services77th of 182position · derived65.3Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 42% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Iraq 65.3 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio174th of 182position · derived35.1Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 4% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Iraq 35.1 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate180th of 182position · derived10.94Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 1% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iraq 10.94 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
No real change since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager178th of 179position · derived1.629Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
bottom 1% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Iraq 1.629 · world median 19.16 (worse)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed72nd of 168position · derived54,291GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 43% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Iraq 54,291 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Labour Force Participation Rate170th of 182position · derived41.53Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Iraq 41.53 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked59th of 182position · derived35.73Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Iraq 35.73 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate92nd of 182position · derived31.66Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 50% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Iraq 31.66 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate14th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst15.48Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
bottom 7% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Iraq 15.48 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -18 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment95th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst27.14Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Iraq 27.14 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 15%0.1Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 15% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Iraq 0.1 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate18th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst32.01Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 9% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Iraq 32.01 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge6
Adult Literacy Rate117th of 172position · derived84.06Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 32% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Iraq 84.06 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling133rd of 195position · derived12.36Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 32% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Iraq 12.36 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Mean Years of Schooling145th of 193position · derived6.78Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 25% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Iraq 6.78 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Primary Completion Rate120th of 165position · derived83.27Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 27% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Iraq 83.27 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Completion Rate92nd of 164position · derived57.15Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 44% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Iraq 57.15 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 30%92.3915–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 30% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Iraq 92.39 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing17
Children with Functional Difficultiestop 13%22.1Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
top 13% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Iraq 22.1 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply108th of 155position · derived2,737Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
bottom 31% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Iraq 2,737 · world median 2,982 (worse)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months107th of 136position · derived25.82Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
bottom 21% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Iraq 25.82 · world median 40.74 (worse)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Female Genital Mutilation Prevalencetop 17%7.4Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)2024
top 17% of 31 countries measured
UNICEF · Women aged 15-49 who have undergone FGM (%)
Iraq 7.4 · world median 34.1 (better)
Best in the world 0.3 (Uganda)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index148th of 172rank0.558GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 14% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Iraq 0.558 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index57th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.033MPI (0–1)2025
top 48% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Iraq 0.033 · world median 0.039 (better)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2018
Global Violent Deaths35th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst17.24Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 16% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Iraq 17.24 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index141st of 172position · derived0.408HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 18% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Iraq 0.408 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2017
Human Development Index126th of 193rank0.695HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 35% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Iraq 0.695 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
INFORM Severity Index31st of 81position · derived · 1 = worst3.4INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)2025
bottom 40% of 81 countries measured
ACAPS · INFORM Severity (1–5, most severe crisis)
Iraq 3.4 · world median 3.1 (worse)
Best in the world 1.3 (Trinidad and Tobago)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2020
Life Expectancy at Birth135th of 222position · derived72.32Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Iraq 72.32 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio84th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst65.99Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 43% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Iraq 65.99 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare169th of 178position · derived0.09Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 7% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Iraq 0.09 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment37th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst14.9Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 22% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Iraq 14.9 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five89th of 162position · derived · 1 = worst12.64Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 45% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Iraq 12.64 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate71st of 200position · derived · 1 = worst21.84Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 35% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Iraq 21.84 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children34th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst80.9Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 38% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Iraq 80.9 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital10
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Iraq 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2014
Arable Land per Person103rd of 206position · derived0.11Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 50% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Iraq 0.11 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 38%63Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 38% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Iraq 63 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2012
Child Marriage40th of 143position · derived · 1 = worst27.9Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 27% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Iraq 27.9 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality63rd of 169position · derived · 1 = worst22.84Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
bottom 37% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Iraq 22.84 · world median 17.05 (worse)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index179th of 184position · derived0.793Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 2% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Iraq 0.793 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production59th of 179position · derived1,900,509Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 32% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Iraq 1,900,509 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area150th of 150position · derived0Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
bottom 2% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Iraq 0 · world median 0.725 (worse)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
No real change since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI88th of 156position · derived0.665PHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 44% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Iraq 0.665 · world median 0.678 (worse)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
No real change since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector65th of 171position · derived73.47Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 37% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Iraq 73.47 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions99th of 193position · derived8,659Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 50% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Iraq 8,659 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint69th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst2.018Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
top 46% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
Iraq 2.018 · world median 2.296 (better)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area187th of 210position · derived1.9Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 12% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Iraq 1.9 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster45th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst46,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 28% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Iraq 46,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
No real change since 2015
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita139th of 181position · derived798.72Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 23% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Iraq 798.72 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation180th of 190position · derived1.623Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 7% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Iraq 1.623 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress25th of 177position · derived · 1 = worst67.81Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 14% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Iraq 67.81 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index61st of 193position · derived · 1 = worst9.06WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 32% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Iraq 9.06 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Social Institutions and Gender Index8th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst60SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
bottom 5% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Iraq 60 · world median 25.2 (worse)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence35th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst137Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
bottom 18% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Iraq 137 · world median 0 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
▲ +17 percentile points since 2015
Global Militarisation Index30th of 149rank · 1 = worst148.64GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 20% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Iraq 148.64 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index30th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst5.8INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 16% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Iraq 5.8 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index131st of 176position · derived0.424Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
bottom 26% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Iraq 0.424 · world median 0.79 (worse)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence204th of 211position · derived-2.064Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
bottom 3% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Iraq -2.064 · world median 0.04 (worse)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
No real change since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Iraq. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2021
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2018
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2019
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2021
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index · last seen 2012
- Global Innovation Index · last seen 2022
- Global Report on Food Crises · last seen 2022
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 1989
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- ICT Goods Exports
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2004
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2012
- Informal Employment Rate
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2007
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2012
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2012
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2012
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2007
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2012
- Public Sector Employment
- Research and Development Spending · last seen 2021
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2004
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2007
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2005
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Trade Union Density
- Upper Secondary Attainment · last seen 2021
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2021
07Keep reading
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More countries
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Iraq can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 30 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Iraq on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Iraq: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/iraq