School enrollment in Iraq during the U.S.-led invasion: A statistical analysis

Little is known about the educational consequences in Iraq during the U.S.-led invasion of 2003–2010. This study examines school enrollment based on the 2007 Iraq Household Socio-Economic Survey. There are three main findings. First, a population-weighted analysis indicates that the school enrollment rate (72.3%) is lower than past Iraqi rates but comparable to that in neighboring Arab countries. Second, a multivariate analysis shows that boys and rural children are far more likely to be enrolled. Last, household opinions suggest that a key reason for non-enrollment is lack of child or parent interest. An analysis of adult labor force participants suggests that the lack of interest is attributable to weak employment prospects for educated youth. Data limitations, however, prevent an adequate inquiry into the plight of the internally displaced.

► The Iraqi school enrollment rate (72.3%) is lower than past rates but comparable to that in neighboring countries.
► A multivariate analysis shows that boys and rural children are far more likely to be enrolled.
► Household opinions suggest that the main reason for non-enrollment is lack of child or parent interest.
► A labor force analysis suggests that lack of interest may be explained by weak employment prospects for educated youth.