UNFPA Advisor clarifies Iraq population growth

An aerial view of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Claims of explosive population growth in Iraq are vastly exaggerated, according to Mahdi Al-Alak, Senior Advisor to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Speaking to official state media on Monday, August 10, 2026, Al-Alak pointed to official census figures demonstrating a steady decline in national demographic growth rates over the past two decades. Al-Alak highlighted a dramatic shift in family sizes, noting that while an average Iraqi woman gave birth to 6 to 7 children during the 1980s, recent national census data shows the fertility rate has dropped by more than half to 3 births per woman. Key Demographic Findings Declining Annual Growth: Iraq’s current annual population growth rate stands at 2.51%, down from over 3% recorded two decades ago. Sharp Drop in Fertility: Average births per woman have dropped from 6–7 children in the 1980s to 3 births today, according to the latest census data. Global Benchmark Comparison: While Iraq’s 2.51% growth rate remains higher than the global average of 1.1%, the internal trajectory shows a clear long-term deceleration. UNFPA Assessment: Claims of an unmanageable demographic explosion misrepresent actual census trends and structural social shifts. The slowing population growth rate reflects changing economic realities, urbanization, higher educational attainment among women, and shifting social norms regarding family planning across Iraqi governorates. While a 2.51% growth rate continues to place demands on public infrastructure, housing, and job creation, UNFPA officials stress that the long-term trend indicates a stabilizing demographic profile rather than an uncontrolled population surge.