Iraq's census to "map future growth," says Planning Minister

The minister explained that the census will provide a roadmap for both current and future governments in planning development projects, service delivery, and population stability initiatives.

The gate of the Federal Ministry of Planning. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
The gate of the Federal Ministry of Planning. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Nov. 16, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim announced on Saturday that the upcoming national census represents a strong indicator of Iraq's social, security, and economic stability, adding that it will help chart the country's development trajectory.

"This is Iraq's first comprehensive development census in 37 years," Tamim stated in a press conference, emphasizing its significance as a priority within the government's program and its status as a national and constitutional obligation.

The minister explained that the census will provide a roadmap for both current and future governments in planning development projects, service delivery, and population stability initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning revealed on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, the mechanism for counting non-Iraqi residents. Ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi clarified that while the census will include both Iraqi citizens and foreigners within the country's borders, non-citizens will complete a modified version of the census questionnaire.

"Foreign residents, whether they are workers, embassy staff, company employees, or medical professionals, will answer specific questions designed for non-citizens," Al-Hindawi explained.

The Iraqi Parliament expressed its full support for the 2024 Population and Housing Census, urging MPs to encourage citizen cooperation with field teams during the count scheduled for Nov. 20-21.

In response, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced a nine-day official holiday from Nov. 15-23 for civil servants, military personnel, and students from Kurdistan Region provinces and Kurdish areas outside the Region's administration.

The decision also requires private sector organizations to facilitate their employees' participation in the census, particularly those from Article 140 areas.

Iraq's last comprehensive census was conducted in 1987, making the 2024 census a crucial milestone for the country's development planning. The census has particular significance for disputed territories and the Kurdistan Region, where population statistics directly impact resource allocation and political representation.

The Article 140 areas, mentioned in the Iraqi constitution, refer to disputed territories between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, making accurate population counts in these areas particularly important for future administrative decisions.