Iraq: Business freedom

The latest value from 2023 is 43 points, a decline from 52 points in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 60 points, based on data from 179 countries. Historically, the average for Iraq from 1996 to 2023 is 54 points. The minimum value, 40 points, was reached in 2002 while the maximum of 63 points was recorded in 2016. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Business Freedom index for Iraq from The Heritage Foundation measures the ability to start, operate, and close a business. It reflects the overall burden of regulations and the efficiency of the government of Iraq in the regulatory process.

Definition: The Business freedom index is based on 10 indicators, using data from the World Bank’s Doing Business study: Starting a business-procedures (number), time (days), cost (% of income per capita), and minimum capital (% of income per capita); Obtaining a license—procedures (number), time (days), and cost (% of income per capita); Closing a business—time (years), cost (% of estate), and recovery rate (cents on the dollar).