Iraq holds its first nationwide census since 1987

BAGHDAD,— For the first time in almost four decades, Iraq is undertaking a comprehensive nationwide census, a pivotal step for a country grappling with ethnic and sectarian divides.

Scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the census is expected to provide critical demographic data for Iraq’s estimated population of 44 million, marking a milestone in the nation’s efforts to rebuild and plan for the future.

The last comprehensive census took place in 1987 under the rule of Saddam Hussein. Since then, successive attempts have been derailed by war, political instability, and conflicts between various factions.

The data collected will cover all 18 governorates for the first time in decades, offering a clearer picture of Iraq’s diverse population.

Hamzeh Hadad, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the potential political implications of the census.

Iraq’s constitution mandates one parliamentary seat for every 100,000 citizens, meaning the updated population figures will likely lead to changes in parliamentary representation.

The last significant attempt at a census in 1997 excluded the three provinces of the Kurdistan region, intensifying long-standing tensions between Baghdad and the Kurdish autonomous authorities.

Those tensions have resurfaced ahead of the current count, particularly over disputed northern territories.

The upcoming census will measure religion but avoids differentiating between sects such as Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Ethnic classifications have also been excluded, a deliberate decision to minimize contention and ensure the count proceeds without further delays.

“The census contains notable omissions, designed to satisfy all parties and ensure its progress.” said Hadad.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the critical role of the census in driving Iraq’s development.

“This is a very significant milestone for planning and progress in all sectors, especially in infrastructure, which desperately needs major upgrading,” he said. Decades of conflict and sanctions have left much of Iraq with inadequate electricity, poor healthcare, and crumbling roads.

The data will provide insights into standards of living, health, education, and employment. A detailed questionnaire will collect information ranging from household size and income to the number of cars and household appliances.

The government has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure the census generates reliable data. UNFPA officials noted that the results will support effective policymaking and foster inclusive growth.

The census involves 120,000 researchers who will collect information directly from households over the two days. To facilitate the process, a nationwide curfew will be imposed, requiring families to stay home during the survey period.

Years of conflict and displacement have significantly altered Iraq’s demographics. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have fled the country, and tens of thousands of Yazidis were displaced from Sinjar following atrocities committed by the Islamic State group.

The census has reignited disputes over territories in northern Iraq, including Kirkuk and Nineveh, where Kurdish, Arab, and Turkoman communities have competing claims. These areas, subject to Saddam Hussein’s forced Arabization policies, saw a reversal of that trend after 2003 as Kurds sought to reclaim disputed lands.

Kurdistan regional official Fahmi Burhane expressed concerns about what he described as an ongoing demographic shift in Kirkuk.

“Arab neighborhoods have been developed in recent years that do not reflect normal population growth,” he said.

Addressing these concerns, Baghdad has agreed to restrict the registration of residents in the disputed areas to descendants of families registered in the 1957 census.

Migrants who arrived later will be counted in their provinces of origin, a measure aimed at preserving the demographic balance.

Despite lingering tensions, the census is widely seen as a critical step toward addressing Iraq’s developmental challenges.

According to Abdel-Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning, the data will illuminate the country’s most pressing issues, including those in health, education, and housing. “This census will reveal Iraq’s reality in its smallest details,” he said.

While challenges remain, the count represents a significant effort to rebuild a fractured nation and lay the foundation for a more equitable future.