Iraq to impose nationwide curfew in November for first census in 27 years

Iraq is set to implement a two-day nationwide curfew in November as part of preparations for the country's first population census in nearly three decades, according to a statement from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's media office. 

This upcoming census is Iraq's first in 27 years and represents a significant undertaking for a nation that has faced numerous challenges, including conflicts and political instability.

On Sunday, al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the Supreme Council for Population and discussed preparations underway for the general population and housing census, which is scheduled to take place next month. 

The council outlined several strategies aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient census process. Among the steps taken is the enforcement of a curfew across all provinces on 20-21 November, to facilitate uninterrupted data collection activities.

Efforts are also being coordinated with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to train the statistical staff who will be responsible for data collection and enumeration. To support these training initiatives, the government has secured the cooperation of various ministries, including the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, which will provide classrooms, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which will offer youth centres as training venues.

The government has also ensured adequate funding for the census by accelerating the allocation of necessary financial resources. To further enhance coordination and oversight, the head of the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority is expected to participate in upcoming meetings of the Supreme Coordination Committee between provinces.

The Iraqi government has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure the successful execution of the census. The UNFPA has underscored the importance of this initiative, noting that it will provide Iraq with accurate demographic data, which is essential for effective policymaking and promoting inclusive growth across the country.

With a current estimated population of about 43 million, the census is viewed as a critical tool in Iraq's efforts to foster stability and development.

The last comprehensive census in Iraq was conducted in 1997, covering 15 provinces but excluding the three northern provinces that comprise the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. 

Plans for subsequent censuses have been postponed several times, most notably in 2010, due to disputes over contested territories and broader political tensions.