Iraq Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Iraq's physicians was 1.29 in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 26.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iraq's physicians stood at 1.29 in 2025, a rise of +0.27 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.29 by 2025. Iraq ranked 81st globally.
Iraq’s physician density has risen steadily from a trough of 0.20 physicians per 1,000 people in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 1.29 in 2025, placing the country 81st globally. This increase, achieved over 25 years of World Bank‑reported coverage, reflects gradual expansion of medical education and health‑sector investment, yet the level remains below that of regional peers such as Sri Lanka (1.24) and Kyrgyz Republic (1.46). The modest growth rate suggests that while Iraq has narrowed the gap with higher‑ranking neighbours, substantial shortfalls persist relative to the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 2.3 physicians per 1,000. Continued fiscal commitment to training programmes, retention incentives, and infrastructure development will be crucial to sustain the upward trajectory and move the nation closer to international benchmarks.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 1.29 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.29 | +0.27 | #81 |
| 2022 | 1.02 | +0.04 | #75 |
| 2021 | 0.98 | +0.06 | #85 |
| 2020 | 0.92 | +0.04 | #90 |
| 2019 | 0.88 | +0.21 | #91 |
| 2018 | 0.68 | −0.12 | #108 |
| 2017 | 0.80 | +0.09 | #98 |
| 2016 | 0.71 | −0.01 | #96 |
| 2015 | 0.72 | −0.11 | #91 |
| 2014 | 0.82 | +0.19 | #91 |
| 2010 | 0.64 | +0.11 | #95 |
| 2007 | 0.53 | −0.13 | #90 |
| 2005 | 0.66 | +0.00 | #81 |
| 2004 | 0.66 | +0.12 | #88 |
| 2001 | 0.54 | −0.01 | #84 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq's physicians was 1.29 in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 26.6% increase from the previous year.
Iraq's physicians peaked at 1.29 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Iraq was 0.20 in 1960.
Iraq ranks 81st globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iraq's physicians is projected to reach 1.29 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Iraq in 2025 was 1.29. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_physicians,
title = {Iraq Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}