Iraq's poverty, unemployment rates dropped in 2023: Official

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s poverty and unemployment rates declined in 2023 due to government measures, the planning ministry spokesperson announced on Sunday. This comes amid the country's preparations to release the detailed results of a recently-conducted census.

"The poverty rate has dropped to 17.6 percent, compared to last year’s 23 percent, and the unemployment rate has fallen from 16.5 percent to 14 percent,” Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi told Rudaw.

The data was obtained from the results of the long-awaited population census, which was held in November, and information it had previously collected in less thorough data collection processes.

Hindawi attributed the decline to government measures, including social welfare funds, food basket distributions for the poor, financial aid for students, and other initiatives.

The final results are expected to include detailed information on health, education, employment, and housing conditions.

Hindawi added that the ministry is working to hold a conference on February 24 to announce the detailed results of the census.

Hindawi detailed that the central and southern provinces, such as Muthanna, Maysan, Diwaniyah, and Dhi Qar, are among the poorest.


Nahro Mohammed contributed to this report.