Amman:Experts and representatives of international organizations have emphasized the significance of Jordan's Population and Housing Census as a crucial national initiative for generating accurate data to aid planning, policymaking, and economic development.
According to Jordan News Agency, the census serves not only to determine population numbers but also to provide detailed insights into demographics, social characteristics, geographic distribution, and needs. This information forms the basis for resource allocation and service provision aligned with population requirements, benefiting sectors such as private enterprise, research, and academia, as well as facilitating international comparisons.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census, set to commence in the Kingdom on Thursday and extend through October 31, will involve approximately 12,000 field researchers and aims to gather data on around 2.5 million households. The census will operate under the theme "Our Census for a Better Future."
Ghazi Shbeikat, an International Monetary Fund expert and former Jordanian minister, highlights the census as a foundation for national information, critical for interpreting economic indicators like spending on education and healthcare. He notes that accurate data is essential for measuring per capita income, unemployment, poverty, and service coverage, and helps identify disparities that national averages might conceal.
The census also plays a role in international benchmarking when conducted following global standards. It provides investors with crucial insights into population dynamics, aiding investment decisions by reducing uncertainty.
Suhair Al-Ali, former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, emphasizes the census's role in identifying population characteristics and needs, which is vital for efficient resource distribution and development planning across various sectors. She points out that comparing current and previous census data can reveal trends and changes in poverty and unemployment.
Musa Shteiwi, president of the Economic and Social Council, describes reliable data as essential for effective state management and planning. Continuous data updates are needed to track societal changes and the impact of development policies.
Himyar Abdulmoghni, UNFPA representative in Jordan, underscores the census's importance in providing a comprehensive view of the population, aiding evidence-based planning, and supporting progress towards Sustainable Development Goals by offering a reliable database for monitoring demographic and social changes.