Iraq Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Iraq's services employment was 65.30% in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Iraq's services employment stood at 65.30% in 2025, a rise of +0.24% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.38% by 2026. Iraq ranked 105th globally.
Iraq’s services‑sector employment share rose steadily over the 35‑year span from 58.54 % in 1991 to a record 65.30 % in 2025, placing the country 105th globally. The upward trajectory reflects gradual diversification away from oil‑dominant activities and modest growth in retail, tourism and information‑technology services, especially after the post‑2003 reconstruction period. Iraq’s 2025 level is almost identical to the figure recorded by Paraguay (65.08 %) and marginally below Hungary’s 65.35 % share, suggesting convergence with middle‑income economies that have similarly expanded service‑oriented labour markets. The all‑time peak coincides with the latest observation, indicating that the sector has not yet reached a ceiling. Continued investment in digital infrastructure, vocational training and regulatory reforms could sustain the rise, while any resurgence of security instability or oil‑price volatility might curb further gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 65.67% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 65.53% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.38% | - | - |
| 2025 | 65.30% | +0.24% | #105 |
| 2024 | 65.06% | +0.04% | #106 |
| 2023 | 65.02% | +0.50% | #109 |
| 2022 | 64.52% | −0.32% | #109 |
| 2021 | 64.84% | −0.22% | #111 |
| 2020 | 65.06% | −0.07% | #110 |
| 2019 | 65.13% | +0.20% | #109 |
| 2018 | 64.93% | +0.16% | #110 |
| 2017 | 64.77% | +0.15% | #111 |
| 2016 | 64.62% | −0.13% | #113 |
| 2015 | 64.74% | +0.26% | #115 |
| 2014 | 64.48% | +0.18% | #117 |
| 2013 | 64.30% | −0.05% | #116 |
| 2012 | 64.35% | −0.39% | #114 |
| 2011 | 64.74% | −0.05% | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iraq matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iraq's services employment was 65.30% in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Iraq's services employment peaked at 65.30% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Iraq was 58.54% in 1991.
Iraq ranks 105th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iraq's services employment is projected to reach 65.38% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Iraq in 2025 was 65.30%. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iraq_services-employment,
title = {Iraq Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iraq/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}