Which ethnic groups make up Iraq’s population?

Iraq’s population is composed of several distinct ethnic groups. Approximately two-thirds of the population are Arabs, and about one-fourth are Kurds.1

The remaining population consists of various smaller minority groups, including:

• Turks and Turkmen, primarily located in northern Iraq.2
• Assyrians, who also reside in the north.2
• Lur, an Iranian-speaking group living near the border with Iran.2
• Armenians, found mainly in Baghdad and scattered areas throughout the north.2

Historically, Iraq was home to a significant number of ethnic Persians, but many were deported to Iran between 1969 and 1980 under the Baʿathist regime. While the country has experienced forced relocations and demographic shifts, these groups continue to represent the primary ethnic composition of the nation.3