Iraq Ranks "Medium" in Human Development
By John Lee.
The UN's latest Human Development Report ranks Iraq in 126th place (jointly with Eswatini) out of 170 countries, based on data from 2023:
Human Development Index (HDI)
Global Rank: Joint-126th
HDI Score: 0.695
Category: Medium Human Development
Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI): 0.534
HDI Loss due to Inequality: 23.2%
Health & Income
Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.3 years
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP): $12,654
Education
Expected Years of Schooling: 12.4 years
Mean Years of Schooling: 6.8 years
Education Disparity Index: 29.7% (highest among human development indicators)
Gender Disparity in Education: Girls: 13.7 expected years Boys: 12.6 expected years Adult Women (mean years): 5.2 years Adult Men (mean years): 6.3 years
Income Distribution
Top 10% Income Share: 27.3%
Bottom 40% Income Share: 20.5%
Top 1% Income Share: 15.7%
Gini Coefficient: 29.5
Average Income by Gender: Women: $10,750 Men: $16,531 Women's Earnings as % of Men's: 65%
Gender Development
Gender Development Index (GDI): 0.964 (Group 2: low gender disparity)
Female HDI: 0.682
Male HDI: 0.708
Female Life Expectancy Advantage: +3.7 years
(Source: UNDP)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq seeks global support to overcome legacy of war
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid called for stronger international support to help Iraq overcome decades of conflict and economic setbacks, while highlighting the country's recent developmental progress during a speech at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held Monday in Seville, Spain. Addressing a global audience, Rashid said the conference convenes amid 'complex international and regional conditions,' marked by widespread wars, political instability, and economic crises, particularly in the Middle East. 'These challenges are undermining development efforts worldwide and demand intensified global cooperation to end ongoing conflicts,' he said. Rashid outlined Iraq's long struggle with the aftermath of authoritarian rule, regional wars, international sanctions, and erratic economic policies that left the country's infrastructure underdeveloped and its economy weakened. 'For over half a century, Iraq suffered from internal and external wars, economic isolation, and unplanned policies. Today, however, the country is witnessing clear progress in both security and economic fields,' he noted. He emphasized that Iraq needs deeper engagement with the international community to support reconstruction and improve citizens' living conditions. 'We are committed to comprehensive plans for reconstruction and service delivery, but this path requires global partnership.' The president highlighted Iraq's launch of its new Five-Year Development Plan (2024–2028), which is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also cited the successful completion of Iraq's first general population and housing census in 37 years as a milestone in planning and equitable resource distribution. 'Infrastructure development is now underway across critical sectors,' Rashid said, pointing to major projects in health, education, water, sustainable energy, transport, communications, agriculture, industry, and tourism. He added that Iraq has prioritized environmental issues, adopting policies to combat climate change, including renewable energy initiatives, smart agriculture programs, reforestation campaigns, and desertification mitigation efforts. 'Much work remains, but this is a vital file for our future,' he said. Rashid also underscored Iraq's expanding partnerships with international organizations and UN agencies, reaffirming the country's growing diplomatic and developmental presence. 'Iraq currently chairs the Group of 77 and China for 2024, signaling its return as a key regional and global actor in development coordination,' he said. The Iraqi government, he added, has launched structural reforms to improve the likelihood of achieving the SDGs. These include embedding the 2030 Agenda into national planning documents such as the five-year strategy and establishing dedicated SDG units within ministries and agencies. 'We are building a foundation for sustainable growth,' Rashid concluded, 'but moving forward will require solidarity, resources, and sustained international cooperation.'
Iraq Business
16 hours ago
- Iraq Business
172 Preliminary Licences for New Industrial Projects in Iraq in May
By John Lee. Iraq's General Directorate of Industrial Development (GDID), part of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, issued 172 preliminary licences for the establishment of new industrial projects during May 2025. Director General Dr. Eng. Ali Ibrahim Janan said the permits cover a range of sectors, including food industries, chemical, metal, construction, textile, and engineering industries. He added that the Directorate continues to provide specialised services, such as allocating land plots for industrial use across various provinces, issuing completion certificates for projects meeting all legal requirements, and supplying need-assessment reports for different industrial ventures. In addition, field inspections are being conducted nationwide to support proper project implementation. Dr. Janan affirmed that the Directorate remains committed to offering its services through the "Ur Government Services Portal" to facilitate investment, strengthen the role of the private sector, and support national industry. (Source: Ministry of Industry and Minerals)
Iraq Business
16 hours ago
- Iraq Business
New Scheme offers Iraqis Affordable Building Materials
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the new 'Construction Basket' initiative on Wednesday, an innovative programme designed to provide citizens with access to building materials at competitive prices and on convenient instalment terms. The centre, located at the newly-opened Cooperation Center for Construction , is a joint venture between the Ministry of Commerce's General Company for Trading in Construction Materials and the private sector. In his remarks, Al-Sudani praised the Ministry's efforts and underlined the significance of promoting locally made products, reaffirming that "Made in Iraq" is a strategic direction to revitalise national industry. He highlighted that Iraq's construction sector is undergoing a major transformation across government, institutional, and investment-driven projects. Key highlights of the Prime Minister's announcement include: Targeted support for retirees, families on the social protection network, relatives of martyrs, and employees. A directive to establish a mechanism linking loans and construction permits with access to subsidised construction materials. An emphasis on using cooperative models to regulate material prices through public-private collaboration-similar to the earlier food-focused Hypermarket initiative. Availability of building materials that meet Iraqi standard specifications at reduced prices. Approval of investment permits for around one million residential units, alongside initiatives through the Housing Fund and Real Estate Bank. Prioritisation of industrial zones and investment facilitation for private sector-led manufacturing projects. Ongoing coordination with the Union of Industries and the Union of Contractors. A commitment to expanding the initiative, starting with Nineveh and Basra governorates. Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's stance that the private sector is a critical partner in satisfying domestic market demand and creating employment for Iraqi youth. (Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister) Tags: Basra News, building materials, cg, Construction Basket initiative, Cooperation Center for Construction, Economic Development, featured, General Company for Trading in Construction Materials, Housing, Loans, MSMEs, Nineveh, private sector
