Major Population Growth in Iraq: Insights from the First Census in Nearly Four Decades
BAGHDAD — A recent national census conducted in Iraq, the first of its kind since 1987, has revealed a significant population increase, now estimated at 45.4 million, as announced by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday. This nationwide initiative aims to enhance data collection and inform development strategies within a nation historically affected by political strife and societal fragmentation.
Prime Minister al-Sudani highlighted that preliminary figures indicate a population nearing 45.4 million residents. Previous estimates from 2009 suggested the population was roughly 31.6 million, marking an extraordinary growth trend over the past decade.
Demographic Breakdown
The initial census results also showcase a nearly balanced gender ratio—50.1% male and 49.8% female—indicating stable demographic dynamics across genders.
Amidst Controversial Implications
However, this extensive counting process is not without controversy in Iraq; it carries considerable ramifications for how resources are allocated, budgetary concerns are managed, and developmental policies are structured throughout the country. Many minority communities express apprehension that their declining populations might weaken their political standing and economic prospects within Iraq’s complex sectarian power-sharing framework.
In a noteworthy decision made by Iraq’s federal court, questions concerning ethnicity or sectarian identities were intentionally omitted from this census; instead, emphasis was placed on broader religious categories such as Muslim and Christian affiliations.
Historical Context
Reflecting back on historical efforts to assess population metrics in Iraq reveals that the last comprehensive national census occurred over three decades ago in 1987; although an additional attempt was made in 1997 to count residents without addressing those living within Kurdish territories.
As detailed by Ali Arian Saleh—the executive director overseeing this census at the Ministry of Planning—the subsequent phase of data collection will take place over coming weeks before finalized results including insights into religious demographics can be disclosed.
Advancements in Data Collection
This latest enumeration marks a significant technological leap forward for data gathering methods used in public assessments across Iraqi territory. Implemented with cutting-edge technology aimed at both collection and analysis of demographic information, officials stated it provides an inclusive overview of the social fabric as well as economic conditions within Iraq.
Approximately 120,000 workers were deployed for this extensive initiative; each employee completed surveys across about 160 housing units within just two days—a feat indicative of efficient planning towards achieving comprehensive national insight broadly affecting policy decisions moving forward.
With these developments unfolding against a backdrop steeped in history and marked with challenges unique to each region within its borders—a well-executed national census stands poised to pave new pathways toward informed governance that could foster improved societal stability amidst ongoing transformations.