Iraq conducts first nationwide census in 37 years

Iraq has commenced its first nationwide census in 37 years, a landmark event covering all provinces, including the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) areas.

The two-day survey, which began Monday, is being conducted electronically by approximately 120,000 trained personnel.

Long-delayed census amid security challenges

Iraq‘s census, mandated every 10 years, has been postponed repeatedly because of ongoing security challenges following the U.S. invasion in 2003. The current survey is being carried out under a two-day curfew to ensure its smooth operation.

Security and health workers, journalists, and non-citizens are exempt from the restrictions.

The census, which uses electronic tablets for data collection, excludes questions on ethnicity and sectarian affiliation to avoid potential divisiveness.

Unlike previous censuses, this one includes the KRG’s three provinces and aims to provide accurate data for resource allocation and development planning.

Key impact areas of census

The results of the census are expected to influence:

• Budget planning: Determining allocations for national and regional budgets.
• Development projects: Prioritizing infrastructure and social programs.
• Political representation: Adjusting parliamentary and provincial council seats.

Participants will respond to approximately 70 questions, covering topics such as health, education, occupation, and housing status. Ethnic and religious identity is addressed minimally, with only a single question distinguishing between Muslim and Christian affiliations.

Controversies surrounding census

The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITC) has raised concerns about alleged irregularities before the census began, claiming that families from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah were transported to Kirkuk to alter the region’s demographic composition.

ITC officials have called on the government and judiciary to address these allegations, citing the census’ importance for the Turkmen community’s representation.

The ITC has called on Turkmens to actively participate in the nationwide census.

Speaking to AA, ITC spokesperson Muhammed Saman emphasized the importance of Turkmen participating in the census, particularly in regions with significant Turkmen populations.

He said the collected data, including details of families and individuals, will be utilized by Iraq’s Ministry of Planning for the country’s development.

Highlighting the census’ significance for improving Turkmen regions, Saman reassured that the results would not be used for political purposes.

He cited Iraq’s Federal Court, which prohibits using census outcomes for political agendas under Article 23 of the Iraqi Constitution.

The census has also reignited debates over Iraq’s constitutional Article 140, which addresses the status of disputed regions like Kirkuk.