Iraq is holding its first nationwide census in nearly four decades this week, a long-awaited count in a nation that has been blighted by sectarian and ethnic divisions.Iraq has spent much of the past few decades devastated by conflict and sanctions,

For the first time in nearly four decades, Iraq will this week conduct a nationwide census, a task that promises to deliver critical data to guide development and potentially redefine the country’s political and economic landscape.

BAGHDAD - Iraq will begin its first full national census in more than three decades on Wednesday, a pivotal moment as it looks to gather demographic data for future planning and development. Read more at straitstimes.