Iraq imposes two-day curfew for November census

BAGHDAD,— Iraq is set to enforce a two-day curfew in November as the country prepares to conduct its first nationwide census in 27 years, officials announced on Sunday.

Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani announced that a nationwide curfew will be enforced on November 20 and 21, 2024 across all Iraqi provinces to facilitate the efficient conduct of the population census.

This long-awaited census, which has been delayed multiple times due to Iraq’s turbulent history, was last conducted in 1997, covering 15 provinces.

The three northern provinces comprising the Kurdistan region, which operates with a degree of autonomy, were not included in that count.

Iraq, having endured decades of conflict and violence, has seen several attempts to carry out a new census postponed, including a notable delay in 2010 due to disputes over territory between various communities. Despite ongoing political challenges and occasional violence, the country has managed to achieve a relative level of stability in recent years.

Current estimates suggest Iraq’s population now stands at approximately 43 million. The upcoming census is seen as a critical step in providing accurate demographic data, which will aid in effective policymaking and foster inclusive growth. To support this effort, the Iraqi government has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Historically, Iraq conducted a census every decade. However, plans for a 2007 count were abandoned due to intense sectarian conflict at the time.

Iraq has conducted a total of eight censuses throughout its history. The inaugural census in 1927 recorded the population at just under 3 million. By the time of the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq’s population had surged to an estimated 25 million.

Since 2003, Iraq’s population has continued to grow rapidly. Projections now indicate that the country’s population could reach 50 million by 2030.