Iraq Conducts First Nationwide Census in Nearly 40 Years
Iraq is conducting its first nationwide census in nearly four decades, a historic effort to collect comprehensive demographic data amidst a backdrop of sectarian and ethnic tensions. Scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the census marks the first such initiative since 1987, when Saddam Hussein was in power.
Why the Census Matters
With an estimated population of 44 million, Iraq’s outdated demographic data has hindered effective governance. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the census’s importance for “development and planning in all sectors,” addressing critical areas like infrastructure, electricity, health, and education.
“The census will reveal the reality of Iraq in its smallest details,” said Abdel-Zahra al-Hindawi, a spokesman for the planning ministry. “We will be able to diagnose all the problems that paralyse development.”
A New Approach to Sensitive Data
The census includes questions on religion but omits distinctions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Unlike previous counts, it excludes ethnicity to ease tensions and facilitate the survey’s completion. However, some critics argue these omissions limit its effectiveness in addressing longstanding grievances.
Methodology and Logistics
Over 120,000 researchers will gather data directly from households, prompting a two-day curfew to ensure all families remain home. The survey covers household size, health, education, employment, and living standards, including details on household appliances.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure accurate data collection and promote informed policymaking.
Challenges in Disputed Territories
Historical tensions over territories like Kirkuk and Nineveh have repeatedly delayed previous censuses. These areas remain contested among Kurdish, Arab, and Turkoman communities, fueling fears of demographic manipulation.
Under Saddam’s regime, policies of Arabisation forced Kurdish populations out of these regions. Post-2003, reverse policies led to “Kurdification,” further complicating the situation. To address these concerns, the census will only register descendants of families present in disputed areas during the 1957 census. Newer migrants will be recorded in their original provinces.
“There is still a lot of sensitivity over disputed territories,” said Hamzeh Hadad, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “This census includes compromises to finally allow it to take place.”
Shifting Demographics
Decades of conflict have reshaped Iraq’s demographics, including the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Christians and Yazidis. The data is expected to shed light on these shifts and provide insights into Iraq’s evolving population dynamics.
Toward Stability and Development
While Iraq has regained relative stability in recent years, the census is a critical step toward addressing the country’s challenges. By delivering accurate demographic information, Iraq hopes to chart a path toward inclusive growth and improved public services.
“This is an opportunity for Iraq to finally turn a page on decades of demographic uncertainty and move forward,” said Hindawi.
