Planning Ministry Clarifies Population Census Procedures

Baghdad - INA

The Ministry of Planning detailed on Tuesday the method for conducting the upcoming population census, emphasizing a three-phase process. The ministry also confirmed that the collection of social status forms will continue until December 10th.

Maki Ghazi Al-Muhammadi, Deputy Head of the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority at the Ministry, explained to the Iraqi News Agency (INA):
"The population census encompasses three primary phases. The first phase, from May 1st to September 1st, involved enumeration, numbering, and counting, with approximately 40,000 employees tasked with segmenting areas into neighborhoods and blocks."

He continued, "The second phase, commencing on September 1st, utilized satellite technology for area segmentation. Households were assigned geographic points, and around 120,000 enumerators were involved. Each enumerator in urban areas managed data collection for approximately 120 households, while in rural areas, each covered about 40 households."

Al-Muhammadi highlighted that "from November 14th to 20th, enumerators will identify homes using symbols found on house gates. They will gather basic household information, including the head of the household, the number of individuals, their genders, and ages."

"On November 20th and 21st," he added, "enumerators will verify the collected data, noting any family changes such as births, deaths, or shifts in family structure like a young person becoming head of the household after marriage. This verified data will be transmitted to the central office for rapid result processing."

He concluded, "From November 21st to December 10th, enumerators will finalize the collection of forms detailing social characteristics, including age, health attributes, household goods, and other comprehensive data."