ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The first day of Iraq’s first population census in nearly four decades proceeded ‘without any obstacles’ and problems, an official from the Iraqi planning ministry told The New Region.

"The comprehensive population census process was carried out successfully without any obstacles from the early morning hours until now,” Abdulzahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Iraqi planning ministry, told The New Region on Wednesday, stressing the process’s economic, social and developmental importance.

It is the first census to have covered all 18 provinces since 1987. A count in 1997 excluded the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani provinces. 

Hindawi said that the count was conducted smoothly and that citizens were very cooperative with the enumerator teams, expressing hope for the complete success of the process.

“The census is of exceptional importance because it will contribute to ensuring social and economic justice and improving the level of services in all areas,” said Planning Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim on Wednesday.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani visited the planning ministry headquarters on the first day of the census to observe the procedures, declaring it a “historic day” for the country.

“This day lays the foundation for a new Iraq based on accurate analysis and data that will help decision-makers in developing economic, service, social and even political development plans and programs,” said the Iraqi premier.

Mohamed Al Hassan, head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), commended the conduct of Iraq's long-awaited population census, saying that process is an important step for the country's future.

“This census is to ensure rights, access to public services, the equitable distribution of resources among different regions, and planning based on scientific and modern criteria,” said the UNAMI chief.

Iraq had initially planned to conduct a population census in 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus.

Preliminary results of the census are set to be announced within 48 hours.

Unofficial figures put Iraq’s population at over 45 million.