Iraq & Kurdistan Region Begin First Population Census in 37 Years

Kurdistan 09:51 AM - 2024-11-20

The map of Iraq.

The general population census process began this morning, Wednesday, across both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It will continue until midnight over the next two days, during which enumerators will visit each household to collect and verify data. 

The 2024 general population and housing census is the first of its kind in Iraq since 1987 and will take place on November 20 and 21. More than 120,000 enumerators are involved, spread across all regions of Iraq, with over 70 questions being asked of each household.

A curfew has been imposed across Iraq and will remain in effect until midnight Thursday. Citizens are required to stay in their homes when census teams visit to ensure their information is accurately recorded.

 

400 Billion Dinars Allocated for the Census

In an exclusive interview with PUKMEDIA, Mahmoud Othman, the Executive Director of the General Population and Housing Census in the Kurdistan Region, revealed that more than 400 billion dinars have been allocated for the census. He confirmed that the process in the Kurdistan Region is progressing smoothly and urged citizens to remain at home on the 20th and 21st, cooperating with census teams. He highlighted the importance of conducting an accurate, scientific census for the Region.

Mr. Othman also stressed the importance of participation from the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and disputed areas, noting that each of the 70 questions asked has a specific purpose.

 

First Census in 37 Years

Article 11 of the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Law of 2023 mandates that a general population and housing census be carried out every 10 years. The last census, conducted in 1997, was the most recent, but it excluded the Kurdistan Region. Prior to that, censuses were carried out in 1957, 1965, 1977, and 1987. 

This census is especially significant as it is the first of its kind in 37 years and represents a major step forward in updating the country's data and poverty indicators.



PUKMEDIA