Literate and illiterate world population in Iraq
Iraq: Literate and illiterate world population was 15.9% in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Literate and illiterate world population in Iraq, 1950–2021
Source: UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for literate and illiterate world population in Iraq is 15.9%, measured in 2021.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 30.1% over ten years.
Over the whole period, literate and illiterate world population in Iraq peaked at 87.5% in 1950 and was at its lowest, 14.4%, in 2017.
That places Iraq 43rd out of 128 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the middle of the range.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 87.5% | 87.5% | 87.5% | 1 |
| 2000s | 25.9% | 25.9% | 25.9% | 1 |
| 2010s | 17.9% | 14.4% | 22.8% | 4 |
| 2020s | 15.9% | 15.9% | 15.9% | 1 |
Countries ranked near Iraq
More population data for Iraq
- World population growth 0.2% (2100)
- Population density 231.84 people per km² (2100)
- Number of children under 5, by world region 5.99 million people (2100)
- Population growth rate, by level of development 0.2% (2100)
- Total fertility rate vs. contraceptive prevalence 3.22 births per woman (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. unmet need for contraception 3.22 births per woman (2024)
- Refugees by country of asylum 318,461 people (2024)
- Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate 3.22 births per woman (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. Share of people who are religious 3.25 live births per woman (2023)
- Fertility rate accounting for survival until childbearing age 3.13 children per women (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is literate and illiterate world population in Iraq?
- Literate and illiterate world population in Iraq was 15.9% in 2021, according to UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest literate and illiterate world population recorded in Iraq?
- The highest recorded value was 87.5% in 1950.
- What is the lowest literate and illiterate world population recorded in Iraq?
- The lowest recorded value was 14.4% in 2017.
- How does Iraq rank for literate and illiterate world population?
- Iraq ranks 43rd out of 128 countries with data for 2021.
- Is literate and illiterate world population rising or falling in Iraq?
- Over the last ten years it is down 30.1%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Iraq data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Literate and illiterate world population. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of adults who cannot read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life.