Iraq is facing growing pressure on its transportation network as the new academic year approaches, with around 3 million cars in Baghdad and more than 8 million vehicles nationwide. The expansion of the road network, however, has failed to keep pace with population growth and the rising number of vehicles.
Iraq’s population has exceeded 46 million, including approximately 8.3 million people in Baghdad, while more than 12 million students and pupils are preparing to return to schools and universities when the new academic year begins on September 20.
The return of students, employees and workers is expected to intensify traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, as private vehicles remain the main means of transportation for many residents across Iraqi cities.
The country’s transport crisis goes beyond traffic jams, with economic, environmental and urban-planning challenges also contributing to the problem. The government is working to address the situation by expanding public transport services, introducing new transportation options, and implementing road expansion and bridge projects aimed at improving traffic flow.
