Geographical Analysis of Population Growth in Akre City (1957–2025)

Abstract

Population growth is one of the most important topics in population studies and urban geography because demographic changes have a direct impact on urban development and planning. Akre City, the administrative center of Akre District in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, had a population of 110,485 and an area of approximately 5,395 hectares in 2025. This study aims to examine the population growth trend of Akre City during the period 1957–2025 and to identify the factors influencing it. The research employs descriptive, historical, and analytical methods to explain changes in population growth throughout the different stages of the city's development.

The findings indicate that Akre City experienced significant demographic changes during the study period. The highest annual population growth rate was recorded during 1977–1987 at 7.2%, while the lowest rate was observed during 1957–1965 at 1.2%. These variations were mainly influenced by natural population increase, rural-to-urban migration, and limitations in the available demographic data.

The results also reveal that geographical location, geological characteristics, water resources, political, economic, demographic, and administrative factors, together with the level of urban services, are among the major determinants of population growth in Akre City. Accordingly, strengthening the population data collection and registration system, enhancing coordination among statistical and executive institutions, and improving infrastructure and services in rural areas can contribute to more effective population planning, reducing excessive rural-to-urban migration, and achieving a more balanced spatial distribution of the population.