Crime and Pollution in Basra

Crime Data in Basra

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, the crime landscape in Basra, Iraq, presents a complex picture of moderate security concerns among its residents. While certain indicators suggest a relative stability in crime rates, issues like corruption and public safety perceptions provide areas for attention.

Public safety opinions diverge significantly depending on the time of day, with daytime offering a greater sense of security compared to the nighttime.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes are not seen as a major issue in Basra, with lower levels of concern about theft and home break-ins. However, this is overshadowed by worries about other types of crimes.
• Drug-Related Issues - The city appears to have a lesser burden of drug-related problems, as indicated by the lower perceived problems in this area. However, other forms of crime present their own challenges.
• Violent Crimes - There is moderate concern regarding violent crimes in Basra, with worries centered around mugging and assault. Nevertheless, these concerns are not as pressing compared to the overall crime outlook.
• Public Safety - Residents of Basra feel relatively safe during the day, yet this sense of security diminishes significantly at night, underscoring the need for enhanced nighttime public safety measures.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - A notable worry among the public is the perception of increasing crime, even if the statistics suggest stability in certain types of criminal activities.
• Specific Fears - Despite overall moderate crime levels, specific fears such as insults based on ethnicity and corruption remain prevalent, reflecting broader societal challenges.

Summary of Crime in Basra

Efforts to improve public safety in Basra should focus on combating corruption and enhancing community trust and engagement. While property crimes and drug-related issues are not pressing concerns, the emphasis should lie on addressing the root causes of violent crime and ensuring equitable safety across all neighborhoods.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Iraq is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Baghdad

Iraq

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Basra's pollution levels in 2024 highlight significant environmental challenges, particularly in air quality. Despite efforts, the quality of air remains a major concern due to urban and industrial emissions.

Residents face substantial worries about chronic exposure to pollutants, reflecting on long-term health implications for the population.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - While official measurements suggest PM2.5 levels are low, public dissatisfaction with air quality indicates potential discrepancies or unnoticed pollutants affecting daily life.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels may appear controlled, yet the perception of poor air quality suggests that residents experience adverse effects that are not fully captured by standard metrics.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Garbage disposal issues are a critical point of discontent, as mismanagement leads to low satisfaction and visible cleanliness challenges in many areas of Basra.

Noise pollution is moderately concerning, though not as critical as waste management and air quality issues.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The low satisfaction concerning waste disposal in Basra highlights a serious need for systemic improvements in waste management practices.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution contributes to the overall discomfort in Basra, although it is overshadowed by more severe pollution and waste management problems.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

The scarcity and underutilization of green spaces in Basra is a significant issue, limiting environmental and recreational benefits that such spaces typically provide.

Water quality poses a unique challenge, with perceptions of accessibility and purity notably lacking, affecting overall public health confidence.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces are notably lacking in quality, with residents expressing strong dissatisfaction with the available recreational and ecological resources.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality and accessibility are perceived as poor, contributing to significant concerns about public health and well-being.