Kurdistan Region Accounts for 14.4% of Iraq Population in Census

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — The Kurdistan Region's share of Iraq's total population stands at 14.4 percent, according to the results of a national census conducted by the federal government, the Sulaymaniyah Provincial Statistics Director Şivan Kemal announced. Kemal said the new figure replaces the 12.7 percent rate previously used by Baghdad as the basis for its dealings with the region. He said the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani must apply the updated rate in general budget allocations and other financial and administrative agreements. The revised population share reshuffles all previous statistical data tied to the region, including poverty rates as well as commercial, economic and industrial activity volumes. Kemal said analysis work related to these indicators continues in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. Political analyst Karzan Abdurrahman said the new rate grants the Kurdistan Regional Government broader entitlements compared to prior years. He noted that the regional administration provides services including healthcare, education, municipal functions and staffing across Kurdish areas beyond its formal borders, suggesting the population effectively served by Erbil may exceed 20 percent. Abdurrahman said negotiations with Baghdad should reflect this broader demographic reality and ensure the rights of all Kurds are protected in bilateral agreements.