Al-Sudani: Iraq’s 2024 census to build a database for long-term development

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced the launch of Iraq’s 2024 general population and housing census, marking the first comprehensive census in 37 years and the first since 1987 to include all areas of the country. Speaking from Baghdad, Al-Sudani emphasized the initiative’s significance as a transformative step toward improving governance, public services, and equitable resource distribution.

The prime minister described the census as a “developmental and civilizational milestone,” designed to shift Iraq from reliance on estimates and assumptions to a system grounded in accurate and verified information. Al-Sudani highlighted the initiative’s potential to identify areas in crisis, assist vulnerable populations, and support Iraq’s long-term development strategy.

Addressing concerns, Al-Sudani dismissed rumors linking the census to taxation or social protection. “These claims are baseless and should not be believed,” he asserted. He also called on citizens to cooperate fully with census teams and adhere to curfew regulations.

The national census, Iraq’s first in more than 20 years, is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024. Approximately 120,000 field researchers will employ advanced electronic data collection systems for the initiative.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani media office:

🔷 A significant developmental and civilizational milestone begins tomorrow with the commencement of the general population and housing census, marking 37 years since the last comprehensive census in 1987 and the 1997 census, which excluded the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

🔷 The general population census is part of fulfilling the government’s program priorities and ensuring citizens’ rights to public services.

🔷 The census aims to shape economic and social development using modern, scientific methods, addressing information gaps in planning, service delivery, and national decision-making.

🔷 Today, we are establishing robust digital standards for the population and housing census, transforming it into a scientific tool for planning and development, moving beyond estimates and unverified assumptions.

🔷 The decision to implement the census reflects our confidence in the capabilities of our governmental institutions.

🔷 We are committed to serving our people with the highest scientific standards, identifying gaps, and providing accurate services to citizens.

🔷 The census will be conducted electronically and scientifically using the most advanced modern methods, ensuring results effectively serve the present and future of Iraqi citizens.

🔷 The resulting database will support state institutions, assist vulnerable groups in accessing services, identify crisis areas, and shape Iraq’s long-term development strategy.

🔷 The population census is more than collecting data; it is a tool for informed decision-making and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and services across governorates.

🔷 We urge citizens to cooperate with census teams, adhere to curfew regulations, and provide accurate information.

🔷 We emphasize that rumors linking the census to issues like taxes or social protection are baseless and should not be believed.

🔷 I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Planning and the Commission of Statistics and GIS for their efforts in preparing and organizing the census.

🔷 My thanks also go to all ministries, independent bodies, governorates, the Ministry of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the Statistics Office in the region for their significant roles.

🔷 We acknowledge and thank the United Nations Population Fund for its support throughout all stages of this project.

🔷 I appreciate the security services for ensuring a safe and stable environment, as well as the national media and journalism for their distinguished role in supporting this strategic project.