Amman, May 13 (Petra) – Director General of the Department of Statistics Haider Freihat said Wednesday that completion rates for the third phase of the 2026 General Population and Housing Census have reached 40 percent in the enumeration stage and 20 percent in the counting phase.

Speaking during a dialogue session organized by the Economic and Social Council on the 2026 General Population and Housing Census, Freihat said the enumeration phase is scheduled to conclude in early August, followed by a "statistical silence" period dedicated to data analysis and final preparations for the comprehensive census phase, expected to begin in the final third of 2026.

The session focused on the role of statistical data in supporting comprehensive development, economic modernization, and evidence-based policy-making.

Freihat said the census is estimated to cost JD24 million, noting that the adoption of advanced technological solutions and artificial intelligence applications is expected to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency.

He described the census as a comprehensive national statistical exercise aimed at producing accurate and updated demographic and housing data to support population, economic, social, and health planning.

Freihat said preparations and data collection processes are progressing according to schedule, adding that the comprehensive enumeration phase later this year will continue for one month and involve approximately 11,650 personnel.

He added that the Department of Statistics plans to launch media and awareness campaigns to encourage public participation in the census process.

For his part, Economic and Social Council Chairperson Musa Shteiwi said the population census is among the country’s most important planning and development tools, as it provides policymakers with accurate data on population distribution, housing conditions, demographic structure, and family characteristics.

Shteiwi said the 2026 census carries particular significance as Jordan’s population has exceeded 12 million, increasing the need for precise planning data amid population growth, urban expansion, economic pressures, and rising demand for public services.

He added that census data support economic planning, equitable service distribution, education and healthcare planning, housing policies, and urban development strategies.

Shteiwi also highlighted the census’ importance for governorates and municipalities, noting that it enables decision-makers to identify regional disparities and support balanced development across the Kingdom.

He stressed that the census provides reliable national indicators and scientific evidence necessary for policymaking and infrastructure planning, particularly in light of evolving demographic and socio-economic challenges.

//Petra// AJ

13/05/2026 15:21:56