Iraq will implement a two-day curfew in November to conduct its first census in 27 years. The announcement came from Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, who stated that the curfew will be imposed on November 20th and 21st across all provinces of the country.
Decades of conflict and violence have plagued Iraq, leading to several postponements of the census. The most notable delay occurred in 2010 due to tensions between communities over disputed territories. The last general census was conducted in 1997, encompassing 15 Iraqi provinces but excluding the autonomous Kurdistan Region.
Despite sporadic violence and political turmoil, Iraq has witnessed a return to a semblance of stability in recent years. Current estimates place the country’s population at around 43 million. The upcoming census will be conducted in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UNFPA emphasizes the critical role of the census in providing accurate demographic data, which will facilitate effective policymaking and promote inclusive growth.
Historically, Iraq held censuses every ten years. However, a count could not be organized in 2007 due to the intense sectarian violence that gripped the nation. This upcoming census marks a significant step towards a more accurate understanding of Iraq’s population and will serve as a foundation for future development initiatives.
