Real GDP Growth: Iraq

Analysis# Iraq Real GDP Growth Iraq's real GDP growth stood at 3.6% in 2026, representing a modest recovery from near-stagnation in recent years. The country's economic trajectory since 2001 has been marked by extreme volatility, with an all-time peak of 53.4% in 2004 and a catastrophic low of -36.7% in 2003. Despite these historic swings, Iraq has achieved a cumulative 100% total change since 2001, indicating long-term structural shifts despite short-term instability. The 2020 pandemic delivered a sharp -12.4% contraction, followed by uneven recovery through 2024, which recorded a slight -0.2% decline. Iraq's recent performance shows stabilization after years of subdued growth, with the 2026 projection of 3.6% suggesting a return to positive momentum. This upward trajectory reflects gradual economic normalization, though growth remains modest compared to historical peaks and reflects ongoing structural challenges in the economy.