Amman:Jordan has launched its seventh General Population and Housing Census, aiming to enumerate and profile approximately 2.5 million households across the country by the end of October. This national effort is crucial for macro-level socioeconomic planning and infrastructure development.
According to Jordan News Agency, the census involves around 24,000 statistical blocks and nearly one million structural units. It is conducted by a workforce of approximately 12,000 field researchers, 60% of whom are women. This team includes nearly 10,000 educators from the Ministry of Education and 2,000 personnel from the Department of Statistics (DOS) and other specialized temporary enumerators.
Mandated by Article 4 of General Statistics Law No. 8 of 2025, the census aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Jordan's demographic, social, educational, and housing characteristics. The DOS has clarified that the census will not include questions about household financial wealth, focusing instead on demographic indicators, labor force dynamics, and residential infrastructure.
The collected data will inform public policy and geographic resource allocation, influencing long-term investments in sectors such as health, education, urban transit, and utilities. Additionally, it will help map demographic changes and urban growth, improving government planning at national and local levels.
This census cycle introduces a digital statistical governance system, following United Nations guidelines for the 2025-2030 census decade. The operations utilize tablet devices, electronic data-capture forms, GIS mapping tools, and integration with government databases. Artificial intelligence and electronic auditing systems are employed to monitor progress, validate data, and ensure its integrity.
Strict confidentiality laws protect the data collected, which is used only for aggregate statistical processing. Field researchers carry credentials with a QR code for identity verification through the "Sanad" platform. A toll-free call center (117110) has been set up for public inquiries. Flexible scheduling protocols allow for follow-up visits to ensure complete coverage of all residents. DOS Director-General Haider Al-Furaihat emphasized the importance of public cooperation to ensure data accuracy for effective national development.