Iraq’s rich cultural diversity demonstrates how young children can inspire adults to respect differences, live in harmony, promote tolerance and respect for each other. Photo & Video Credit: United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Society IraqOnce Defined by War, a Nation Finds Its Footing
After decades of conflict and instability, Iraq has made striking progress toward peace, stability and development, with falling poverty, stronger institutions and millions of displaced people returning home.
“For those who lived through the troubled early years of the transition, today Iraq is unrecognisable and remarkable,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai.
According to the UN, poverty in Iraq has fallen from 20% in 2018 to 17.5% in 2024–2025; security has improved enough for around 5 million internally displaced people to return home; and democratic participation has risen, with higher voter turnout and increased representation of women in parliament. With the end of the UN Assistance Mission and the launch of a new five-year development partnership, Iraq is now shifting from post-conflict recovery toward long-term growth and, for the first time, toward becoming a contributor rather than a recipient in international cooperation.
