Iraq To Hold First Census In 27 Years: Report

Iraq is set to hold the country's first census in 27 years. According to the Al Jazeera report, a curfew will be imposed in all provinces of Iraq on November 20 and 21 to conduct the population census. The announcement regarding curfew was made by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday.

Citing local media, Al Jazeera reported that various measures have been approved for the process. This includes finalising coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for the training of statistical staff. Iraq has postponed the population census several times, most notably in 2010 due to tensions over disputed territories. The last general census in the country was held in 1997. On that occasion, 15 Iraqi provinces, excluding three northern provinces, witnessed the census. As per the current estimates, the country’s population is about 43 million.

For the upcoming census in Iraq, authorities have partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UN agency said that the initiative "plays a crucial role in equipping Iraq with accurate demographic information."