Iraq’s digital landscape is evolving, as highlighted by its recent ranking in the 2026 Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Development Index. According to a report published by Visual Capitalist, Iraq now holds the 99th position globally, demonstrating its gradual progress in digital connectivity.
Iraq’s ICT Development Ranking
In the latest findings, Iraq scored 79.4 points, tying with Colombia. This places Iraq just above the Dominican Republic, which earned a score of 79.3, but slightly below Egypt at 79.6 and Tunisia at 80.1. Indonesia surpassed both by achieving a score of 84.7, closely followed by Brazil, which scored 84.6. While Iraq’s ranking reflects a steady growth in ICT, there is still significant room for improvement to keep pace with international competitors.
Top Performers in the ICT Index
Saudi Arabia leads the global chart with an impressive score of 99.8 points, while the United Arab Emirates follows closely behind with 98.8. In Europe, Estonia has emerged as the leader with 98.5 points, edging out Finland at 98.4, demonstrating strong digital advancements in the region. The United States ranks ninth with a score of 97.9, reflecting its robust digital infrastructure and internet accessibility. These high-ranking nations set benchmarks that others, like Iraq, can aim to achieve.
What the ICT Index Measures
The ICT Development Index, compiled by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), evaluates digital connectivity across 159 countries. It assesses various factors, including internet access and usage, network coverage, data consumption, and the affordability of telecommunications services. The global average score stands at 79 points, with 59 economies achieving scores between 90 and 100. Interestingly, 15 countries scored below 50, indicating a significant gap in digital connectivity and infrastructure.
Trends in Global Digital Connectivity
Notably, digital connectivity has seen improvement across 146 of the 151 economies evaluated in both the 2023 and 2026 editions of the index. This trend highlights the global shift towards enhancing digital capabilities, which are crucial for fostering economic growth, improving access to information, and facilitating communication. For Iraq, investing in technological infrastructure and improving internet access can bridge the gap and elevate its global standing in future assessments.
In summary, Iraq’s position in the 2026 ICT Development Index indicates progress but also emphasizes the need for further development in digital technology and infrastructure. By learning from higher-ranking countries and addressing existing challenges, Iraq can enhance its digital capabilities and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.