The Kurdistan Region Statistics Committee announced the commencement of the final phase of the general population census, set to continue for over two weeks.
Counters will visit all households across the region to complete a 77-question family questionnaire covering demographic, social, economic, health, and housing information.
Citizens residing in Kurdistan regions outside the Kurdistan region who returned home during earlier phases are required to participate, ensuring at least one family member is present to answer the enumerators’ questions.
The Ministry of Planning emphasized the significance of the census results for sectors like housing and economic development. Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs, Maher Hammad Johan, highlighted key findings, noting a decline in population growth rates.
“The growth rate has decreased from previous readings of 3% to 2.3%, signaling a clear demographic shift,” Johan stated to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
He added that changes in the population pyramid observed in preliminary readings indicate a future transformation in demographic models. “The census will provide critical data on economically active individuals to align job opportunities with emerging trends,” Johan explained.
Regarding housing, Johan confirmed that the census includes data on all housing units, including informal settlements. “This comprehensive reading will guide policies to address housing challenges effectively,” he noted, underscoring the Ministry of Planning’s commitment to adapting economic and housing strategies based on the census findings.
The final results are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies across multiple sectors, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the Kurdistan Region.
