Iraq ranked 99th globally in the 2026 Information and Communication Technology Development Index, scoring 79.4 points, according to figures released by Visual Capitalist, a platform specializing in economic data analysis and visualization.
Based on data from the International Telecommunication Union, the index evaluates digital connectivity across 159 economies. It measures several indicators, including internet accessibility and usage, telecommunications network coverage, data consumption, and the affordability of digital and communication services.
The findings showed Iraq matching Colombia’s score, while placing marginally ahead of the Dominican Republic, which received 79.3 points. Egypt scored 79.6 points, Tunisia recorded 80.1 points, and Indonesia and Brazil achieved 84.7 and 84.6 points, respectively.
Saudi Arabia led the global ranking with 99.8 points, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 98.8 points. Gulf countries featured prominently, accounting for five of the top ten positions, with Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain joining Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Among European economies outside the Gulf region, Estonia ranked first with 98.5 points, ahead of Finland at 98.4 points. The United States secured ninth place worldwide, with a score of 97.9 points.
The report placed the global average at 79 points. A total of 59 economies achieved scores ranging from 90 to 100 points, while 15 economies remained below the 50-point threshold.
The comparison between the 2023 and 2026 editions also highlighted widespread progress in digital connectivity. Scores improved in 146 of the 151 economies included in both editions, reflecting a broad upward trend in global access to digital services and telecommunications infrastructure.
