The figures come in a news survey that shows the BBC World Service remains the world's leading international radio broadcaster, with a weekly global audience estimate of 146m. The figures equates to at least 50% more listeners than any comparable international radio broadcaster.
In the Afghan capital of Kabul, BBC World Service is estimated to have a 60% weekly reach. In Iraq, the launch of FM broadcasts in Baghdad, where one in four listen, Basra and other major cities helped to secure a weekly audience of 1.8m, with an earlier survey provisionally indicating an increased audience of 3.3m.
However, the survey did also show a drop of 4m radio listeners compared with 2003's global audience estimate of 150m. This was attributed to a drop in shortwave radio listening, partially offset by a rise in FM listening.
The World Service also extended its reach online, particularly among younger audiences. The sites attracted 279m monthly page impressions in March 2004.
Nigel Chapman, acting director of the BBC World Service, said: "Continuing investment is enabling BBC World Service to maintain its transformation from a shortwave broadcaster to a modern multimedia organisation, which reaches out to new audiences."
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