Iraq abandons nationwide census

Source: BBC

Page last updated at 00:33 GMT, Monday, 17 August 2009 01:33 UK

Iraq has postponed indefinitely plans to hold its first nationwide census in 22 years over fears it could stoke ethnic and political tensions.

The population count in October would have settled arguments over the relative size of Iraq's religious and ethnic communities.

But the planning minister said it could also stir up tensions in northern areas disputed between Arabs and Kurds.

The survey would also have implications for the disputed oil-rich Kirkuk area.

Iraq's last nationwide census was held in 1987. The count in 1997 - which excluded the Kurdish region - put Iraq's population at more than 26 million.



Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8204550.stm