Iraq Launches First Population Census in 27 Years Amid Heightened Security
Iraq has begun its first population and housing census in 27 years. Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim has urged citizens to provide accurate data, emphasizing its importance for Iraq’s future. Security measures are heightened during the census period, which spans two days across all provinces, including Kurdistan. This census is crucial as no count has been conducted since 1997, following years of conflict and instability.
Iraq has initiated a comprehensive population and housing census throughout the nation, marking its first such endeavor in 27 years. Minister of Planning, Mohammed Tamim, has emphasized the necessity for citizens to provide precise information to the census teams, underlining the crucial role accurate data plays in shaping Iraq’s future. He articulated, “The census is of exceptional importance because it will contribute to ensuring social and economic justice and improving the level of services in all areas.” In response to this monumental event, Iraqi authorities have heightened security measures, implementing a curfew during the two-day census period across all provinces, including the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. Traditionally, Iraq undertakes population counts every decade, with the last complete census conducted in 1997, leaving a significant gap due to the geopolitical changes following the 2003 U.S. invasion.
Conducting a national census is an essential exercise for any country, providing critical data that informs governmental planning and resource allocation. Iraq has historically conducted these censuses every decade, but years of conflict and political instability have hindered these efforts, with the last census occurring in 1997. The current census aims to rectify this gap and establish a foundation for future socio-economic policies while promoting justice and improving public services across the country.
The initiation of the population census in Iraq represents a significant step toward reclaiming the nation’s capacity for accurate data collection after years of hiatus. By gathering crucial demographic data, the Iraqi government aims to enhance socio-economic justice and service provision. The overwhelming support for this endeavor from the Iraqi government and its officials reflects a commitment to rebuilding and addressing the needs of the population in the wake of years of instability.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
