KRG Planning Minister emphasizes crucial role of population census for Iraq

Baghdad – INA

Kurdistan Regional Government's Minister of Planning, Dara Rashid highlighted on Wednesday, and the vital significance of the population census for both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

During a press conference attended by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Rashid stated, "The census is highly significant for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The information we gather will be crucial and precise."

He added that individuals registered on November 20 and 21 would be considered residents of their original areas. Efforts are being closely coordinated with the Kurdistan Statistics Authority to ensure the success of the census.

Rashid expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Planning and the Statistics Authority for resolving technical issues during the census process.

"Technical disruptions in certain areas over the past days will be addressed on November 20 and 21," he said, noting that the intervention of the Kirkuk Governor resolved issues faced by citizens in the area.

Sirwan Mohammed, head of the Kurdistan Statistics Authority, announced that an operations room has been established to oversee the census in Kurdistan’s provinces and will remain active until completion.

He urged citizens to "cooperate with census teams and remain at home," adding that a hotline has been set up to address any inquiries.
Mohammed explained that "all data will first be sent to Baghdad, and we will receive a copy afterward."

He stressed that those not registered in previous days must ensure their names are recorded today or tomorrow.

He concluded by noting that "no census or population survey has been conducted in Kurdistan since 1987," and highlighted that the census questionnaire consists of 77 questions.