Ammon News - Jordan’s 2026 Population and Housing Census enters its full field-enumeration phase on Sunday, with data collection set to continue through the end of October.

Nearly 12,000 field researchers will conduct the census across the Kingdom’s 12 governorates, divided into three regions. Each researcher will be responsible for one or two statistical blocks.

A statistical block is a designated area with electronic boundaries mapped using GPS technology. Researchers will use digital mapping tools to locate households, visit homes, and collect data either inside, outside, or at the doorstep, depending on residents’ preferences.

If a resident is unavailable, researchers will arrange a follow-up visit with a household member or respondent. Visits will take place throughout the month, including Fridays and Saturdays, during both morning and evening hours, depending on local conditions.

Schedules may also be adjusted according to weather conditions and regional lifestyles, such as differing daily routines in areas like Aqaba.

The self-enumeration phase ran from Thursday through Saturday and was available to around 170,000 pre-selected households that met eligibility requirements. The Department of Statistics had been registering interested households for self-enumeration between February and July.

Links for self-enumeration were sent to eligible households on Thursday. Those who did not receive a link will be counted through field visits starting Sunday.

Director General of the Department of Statistics Haider Freihat said most residents in Jordan, including both Jordanians and non-Jordanians, were not included in the self-enumeration process and therefore did not receive links. He noted that self-enumeration and field enumeration require roughly the same amount of time to complete.

Freihat stressed that all residents without exception, including those who do not hold Jordanian national numbers, are included in the census. He emphasized that the questionnaire contains no questions regarding income, property ownership, residency status, or work permits for non-Jordanian residents.

He also confirmed that census data is not linked to any other government database and is used solely for statistical purposes related to population characteristics.

The questionnaire operates through a smart system that adjusts questions based on whether respondents are Jordanian citizens or non-Jordanians, ensuring that only relevant questions are asked.

Respondents must be adults who are familiar with the household’s circumstances and characteristics, such as a spouse or a son or daughter over the age of 18.

For non-Jordanian group housing, such as student or worker accommodations, one resident may respond on behalf of others, provided they are knowledgeable about fellow occupants.

In cases where households refuse participation, the Department of Statistics relies on public awareness and reassurance regarding privacy protections. Researchers will make repeated visits and may involve more experienced staff if necessary to encourage participation.

To reduce refusals, researchers are often selected from the same communities they serve, and many are local teachers or familiar faces.

The department estimates that completing the census questionnaire takes between 15 and 30 minutes, noting that the census is conducted only once every ten years.

Freihat said contingency plans have been prepared to address logistical challenges such as weak internet coverage, poor mobile signals, and adverse weather conditions in remote areas.

Local residents may accompany census workers in some communities to help build trust and facilitate data collection.

He described the questionnaire as simple to answer but statistically valuable for future analysis and planning.

The current phase follows earlier census preparations, including the mapping of statistical blocks and the cataloguing of buildings and housing units across Jordan.

Freihat said the census is designed to improve development planning, infrastructure, public services, and resource allocation for citizens and residents alike. He stressed that all information collected is protected by law and urged residents to dedicate a short amount of time to participate for the benefit of future generations.