Iraq ranks eighth among Arab countries and 116th worldwide in GDP per capita by 2026, according to CEOWORLD magazine. The report, based on IMF data, estimates Iraq’s income per person at $5,873. This places the country in the middle tier of Arab economies, showing modest but steady progress in income levels and economic performance.
Therefore, the study notes that today’s economic power depends more on governance, institutional strength, and diversificationthan on land area or population size. For Iraq, better fiscal management, stronger institutions, and reduced reliance on oil could help raise GDP per capita by 2026. Economic diversification and improved productivity remain key to achieving sustainable growth.
Among Arab nations, Qatar tops the list with $76,534, followed by the UAE at $53,842, Saudi Arabia at $35,839, Kuwait at $31,242, and Bahrain at $29,778. Libya ranks sixth with $6,972, slightly ahead of Algeria at $5,956. Iraq ranks in eighth place, ahead of Lebanon with $5,285 and Morocco with $5,154.
Globally, Monaco remains the world’s wealthiest economy, boasting a GDP per capita of $256,667. Liechtensteinfollows with $201,162, Luxembourg with $154,115, Ireland with $135,247, and Switzerland with $118,173. These figures highlight the wide income gap between resource-dependent and highly diversified economies.
Experts believe Iraq’s economy is improving but still faces challenges in converting growth into higher household income. They emphasize the importance of private-sector expansion, institutional reforms, and sustainable investment. Strengthening governance and promoting non-oil sectors could lift Iraq’s GDP per capita by 2026 and enhance living standards.
The IMF warns that oil-dependent countries like Iraq must strike a balance between fiscal reform and growth. Diversifying revenue sources and investing in innovation will be essential to secure lasting stability and raise Iraq’s GDP per capita by 2026 in a competitive regional landscape.