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Iraq has a population of 22.4 million (1997) with around 30% engaged in agriculture. The rural-urban drift began in the 1920s after oil was discovered, and increased during the 1970s, at the peak of the oil boom. The development of an oil-based economy and urban society brought about significant changes to the social structure as the traditional authority of tribal sheikhs diminished.

But, as in all Arab societies, the elders are still respected and the influence of religious leaders is evident. Seventy-five percent of the people now live in towns. Between 1960 and 1992 the urban population increased by 5.2% per year. The Iraqis have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the country is said to have the highest number of PhD holders in the world. An estimated five million Iraqis are living abroad as expatriates or political refugees.

農業なんてやっている人は見かけないけど、いるのだろうな。