Iraq to conduct general population census after resolving technical issues with Kurdistan Region
In preparation for the census, the Council has approved an increase in financial allocations to ensure smooth execution.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Iraqi Council of Ministers announced on Tuesday that it had resolved outstanding technical issues with the Kurdistan Region Statistics Office, paving the way for a comprehensive general population census across Iraq. This significant development marks the first nationwide census in over three decades, which is expected to provide critical data for government planning and resource allocation.
In preparation for the census, the Council has approved an increase in financial allocations to ensure smooth execution. The Ministry of Finance has been directed to provide the necessary funding without delay, underscoring the government’s commitment to implementing the census effectively.
To facilitate data collection, Tahseen al-Khafaji, head of the Iraqi Security Media Cell, revealed that a nationwide curfew will be enforced on Nov. 20 and 21. The measure will apply across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, aiming to streamline the process and ensure comprehensive participation.
Historically, demographic records like the 1957 census have shown significant Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen populations across Iraq, with Kurds accounting for 16% of the population at that time. Today, Iraq's population is projected to reach 51.5 million, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and precise census to address ongoing issues in the country's multicultural regions.
The Kurdistan Regional Government hopes that the upcoming census will better reflect the true demographic makeup of Iraq, including the status of disputed territories, ensuring that the process respects the historical presence and rights of its Kurdish population.