Iraq to enforce two-day curfew for first census in nearly three decades

Local media reports indicated that the government has approved various measures to ensure the census’s success, including finalizing coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for the training of statistical personnel.

Additionally, several ministries will support the effort by providing classrooms and youth centers for staff training.

Iraq, which has been plagued by decades of conflict and violence, has postponed its census multiple times, most notably in 2010 due to tensions over disputed territories.

The last general census in Iraq took place in 1997, covering 15 provinces but excluding the three northern provinces that comprise the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Despite ongoing political turmoil and sporadic violence, Iraq has achieved a measure of stability in recent years. The current population is estimated at around 43 million.

Iraqi authorities have partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the upcoming census.

The UN agency emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that it “plays a crucial role in equipping Iraq with accurate demographic information, facilitating effective policymaking, and promoting inclusive growth.”

Historically, Iraq conducted a census every 10 years, but the 2007 count was canceled due to the country being engulfed in sectarian violence.

(with inputs from Al Jazeera)