AMMAN — Jordan’s 2026 Population and Housing Census has reached 40 per cent completion of the listing phase and 20 per cent in the counting phase.

 

Speaking during a dialogue session organised by the Economic and Social Council on the 2026 census, Department of Statistics (DoS) Director-General Haidar Freihat said that the listing phase is expected to conclude by early August, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Next comes the “statistical silence” period dedicated to analysing collected data and finalising preparations for the nationwide census, set to take place in the final third of this year, he added.

 

Freihat noted that the JD24-million census will rely “heavily” on technology and advanced artificial intelligence tools to help reduce operational costs.

 

He stressed that the census is a “comprehensive” national statistical process aimed at producing accurate and updated data to support population, housing, economic, social and health policymaking, describing it as more “inclusive and precise” than other statistical operations.

 

Freihat also reviewed progress made during the preparation and planning stages, noting that the full counting phase will run for one month later this year with the participation of around 11,650 employees.

 

He added that the census process is proceeding according to schedule without any obstacles, while DoS plans to launch awareness and media campaigns to encourage public engagement.

 

Economic and Social Council President Mousa Shteiwi described the census as “one of the country’s most important development and planning tools, providing an accurate and updated picture of the population, housing conditions and demographic distribution.”

 

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

 

He added that the census will support economic planning, fairer distribution of public services, improved education and healthcare planning, as well as housing and urban development policies.

 

Shteiwi also stressed the census’ importance for governorates and municipalities, noting that it will help planners identify regional disparities and support more balanced development across the Kingdom.