After postponing censuses several times due to security concerns, Iraq is set to impose a two-day curfew in November for the country’s first census in 27 years. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the curfew will be in place on November 20 and 21 to conduct the population count.
Various measures have been approved for the process, including coordinating with the Kurdistan Regional Government for the training of statistical staff. This will be supported by multiple ministries providing facilities for staff training.
Iraq, ravaged by decades of conflict and violence, has faced challenges in conducting a census, with the last one held in 1997 in 15 provinces excluding the Kurdistan region. However, the country has achieved some stability in recent years despite ongoing political turmoil.
The current population of Iraq is estimated to be around 43 million, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is partnering with Iraqi authorities for the census. The UNFPA has highlighted the importance of accurate demographic information for policymaking and inclusive growth in Iraq.
In the past, Iraq conducted a census every ten years, but a count could not be organized in 2007 due to sectarian violence. The upcoming census is seen as crucial for providing the country with essential data for effective governance and planning.
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