Amman: Jordan will begin its General Population and Housing Census on Oct. 1, 2026, with electronic self-enumeration through the "Sanad" application running for three days before field enumeration starts Oct. 4, the Department of Statistics said Tuesday.
According to Jordan News Agency, Director General Haider Freihat announced at the Government Communication Forum that the census will continue through Oct. 31, with 12,000 field researchers covering 24,000 statistical blocks and about 1 million buildings across the Kingdom. Freihat highlighted that families opting for electronic self-enumeration will be able to submit their data via the "Sanad" app from Oct. 1-3, after which field researchers will take over the enumeration process.
Freihat detailed that the census will collect data on demographic, social, educational, housing, health insurance, and employment characteristics, while ensuring income details remain undisclosed. The census will account for both Jordanians and non-Jordanians living in the country. He emphasized the confidentiality of all data and advised households to validate the identity of field researchers by checking their identification cards and verification codes.
He urged citizens and residents to cooperate by preparing identification documents and family books for the researchers, who will visit even on weekends, with each session taking approximately 30 minutes. A pilot census was conducted in September to refine field systems, personnel, and equipment, ensuring no technical issues affect the official census.
Freihat stressed the importance of the census as a national undertaking, crucial for accurate data that will aid government planning and policy formulation. Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication Zaid Nawaisah noted the ministry's role in supporting the Department of Statistics with media preparations, underlining the significance of public participation. Nawaisah stated that the census results will help government institutions better plan services and projects, with digital tools enhancing participation and modernizing Jordan's statistical system.