The Ministry of Planning has outlined how poverty is officially measured in Iraq, while confirming a significant decline in poverty levels nationwide.

Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the ministry, explained that the poverty line is determined by monthly income. “The threshold for an individual is set at 137,000 Iraqi dinars per month. Anyone earning above this amount is not considered poor,” he said.

At the household level, the calculation varies by family size. For example, “a family of five requires around 700,000 dinars per month to be considered above the poverty line,” Al-Hindawi noted. The ministry’s criteria factor in essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

Over the past three years, Iraq has implemented a poverty reduction strategy that has yielded measurable results. Official figures show poverty rates have fallen from 23% to 17.5% nationwide.

This progress has been attributed to expanded social protection programs, improvements in the food ration system, and targeted support in education and healthcare. Together, these measures aim to bolster social stability and strengthen economic resilience across the country.