Amman, Sept. 1 (Petra) – 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.

Director General Haider Freihat told 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 said families that previously opted for electronic
self-enumeration and provided their phone numbers will receive a link
through the “Sanad” application, allowing them to complete and submit
their household and housing data electronically from Oct. 1-3. Field
researchers will then conduct the enumeration from Oct. 4-31.

He said the census will cover demographic, social, educational,
housing, health insurance and employment characteristics, but will
not require individuals or families to disclose their income. The
count will include both Jordanians and non-Jordanians residing in the
Kingdom.

Freihat stressed that all census data will be treated as strictly
confidential, urging households to verify the identity of field
researchers by checking their statistical identification cards and
scanning the verification code before providing any information.

He called on citizens and residents to cooperate with field
researchers by having identification documents or family books
available, receiving researchers during scheduled visits, including
on weekends, and allowing about 30 minutes to complete the
questionnaire.

Freihat noted that a pilot census was conducted in September to test
field systems and procedures, assess the readiness of personnel and
equipment, and address any technical or operational issues before the
official enumeration. Its data will not be included in the final
census results.

He emphasized that the census is a shared national responsibility and
will provide accurate population and housing data to support
government planning, decision-making and the formulation of policies
and services.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication Zaid
Nawaisah said the ministry is supporting the Department of Statistics
in its media preparations for the census, stressing the importance of
broad public participation.

He said census results will enable government institutions to
identify future needs and plan services and development projects more
accurately, while the use of digital tools will expand opportunities
for participation and modernize Jordan’s statistical system.

//Petra// AJ