Iraq is set to conduct its first census in 27 years, with a two-day curfew scheduled for November 20 and 21. The decision comes after several postponements due to security concerns in the country. The last census was held in 1997 in 15 provinces, excluding the Kurdistan region. The upcoming census will involve coordination with the Kurdish authorities and support from various ministries.
Ravaged by conflict and violence, Iraq has faced challenges in conducting a census, with the most recent attempt in 2010 being disrupted by tensions over disputed territories. Despite ongoing political turmoil and sporadic violence, the country has made progress towards stability in recent years.
The population is estimated to be around 43 million, and accurate demographic information is crucial for effective policy-making and inclusive growth. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is partnering with Iraqi authorities for the census, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in providing accurate data for the country.
In the past, Iraq conducted a census every 10 years, but this was disrupted in 2007 due to sectarian violence. With the upcoming census, Iraq aims to gather accurate population data to inform future development strategies and promote growth in the country.
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