Iraqi Interior Ministry denies claims of prison sentences for providing false census information.

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports claiming that individuals providing false information to census workers could face a seven-year prison sentence and fines of up to 10 million Iraqi dinars, labeling the rumors as baseless.

“These claims are not true and are not based on any facts,” the ministry’s Anti-Rumors Department stated, urging citizens to rely only on official sources for information. The department warned against spreading misinformation during the census period, which could lead to confusion or distrust in the process.

Iraq began its first nationwide census in nearly 40 years on Wednesday, marking a critical effort to collect demographic data in a country estimated to have 44 million residents. The two-day census, which continues through Thursday, involves 120,000 field researchers gathering information under a nationwide curfew. It is the first full census since 1987, as political tensions, war, and disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region have delayed previous attempts.

Unlike earlier censuses, this effort excludes questions about ethnicity and sectarian affiliation, aiming to address sensitivities around disputed territories such as Kirkuk and Nineveh. Baghdad has stated that only descendants of families present in these regions during the 1957 census will be counted, a move designed to mitigate demographic disputes stemming from migrations and settlement policies.

The census has significant implications for Iraq’s future, influencing resource allocation, infrastructure planning, and parliamentary representation. Supported by the United Nations Population Fund, the initiative seeks to provide accurate data to address gaps in critical sectors like health, education, and housing.

While the census represents a step toward informed governance and development, Kurdish leaders have raised concerns about the process, fearing it may undercount Kurdish populations in disputed territories. Despite these concerns, the census is seen as a pivotal milestone in Iraq’s recovery from decades of conflict and instability, providing a foundation for more equitable policymaking and national growth.