Iraq fertility rate halves to 3.1 as urbanization and education reshape demographics

Iraq's fertility rate fell from 6 children per woman in 1997 to 3.1 in 2024, with average household size dropping to about 5, driven by urbanization, education, and women's labor force participation. The trend signals a demographic transition that could ease long-term pressure on public services but also portends an aging population and potential labor-market shifts. The data is sourced from official statistics and reflects a gradual, well-documented change rather than a sudden shock.