Iraq holds first census since 1997

Iraq is conducting its first population census in 27 years, running from Wednesday to Friday, aiming to collect precise and updated data for the country's development.

The electronically conducted census, the first since 1997, covers all Iraqi citizens. Ministry of Planning spokesman Abdul-Zahra al-Hindawi said that the census is to help authorities address the long-existing disparities in resource allocation, so as to ensure an equitable and stable development.

"Many vital statistics of Iraq, including the maternal and infant mortality rate and the prevalence of chronic diseases, are in need of official documentation. This hindered the government from comprehensively accessing related information. To optimize the allocation of basic public services, like electric and water supply, detailed census data is also required. It has been difficult for us to determine the exact demand of housing and the specific distribution across Iraq all these years. The nationwide census can reveal the situation. And we can also figure out the total number of illiterate population and their distribution. Based on that, we can frame a targeted education policy, and provide education and job opportunities for illiterate people," said al-Hindawi.

On an international level, comprehensive and updated data can help dispel long-standing misconceptions, which are largely due to incomplete, and even distorted information about Iraq.

"This also helps to foster greater confidence among the international society to invest in Iraq. Many companies joined the bid to provide equipment for the census, and we chose Chinese equipment, which is of high performance, and can completely fulfill the technical requirements of Iraq's census," said al Hindawi.

Iraq holds first census since 1997

Iraq holds first census since 1997

China now has the world's largest 5G network following accelerated infrastructure construction for the Internet over the past 12 months, according to the 2024 China Internet Development Report issued by the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies on Thursday.

The report was released during the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit, which started on Wednesday in Wuzhen Town of east China's Zhejiang Province.

The report says China had 3.8 million 5G base stations by the end of June, covering the entire country with a penetration rate of 5G users exceeding 60 percent. 5G technology has been applied to 74 industries. Key industries such as manufacturing, mining, electricity and healthcare have witnessed rapid 5G development over the past 12 months.

Besides 5G, China is also spearheading the infrastructure construction for gigabit Internet with the country's gigabit Internet users accounting for more than 70 percent globally, according to the report.

In addition to the report on China's internet development, the publisher also released the 2024 World Internet Development Report, which highlights global progress in upgrading existing Internet infrastructure, and the acceleration of innovation in emerging digital technology. It also warns that global cybersecurity remains fragile as crimes have increased significantly.

The first WIC was held in 2014 and it has now become the largest and highest-level Internet conference in China. Every year, representatives of government departments, international organizations and leading internet companies from more than 100 countries and regions gather in Wuzhen to discuss the development and future of the Internet.

China develops world's largest 5G network: report