Uzbekistan Set to Conduct Population Census in 2026

Uzbekistan is set to carry out a nationwide population census in 2026.

On September 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed key proposals aimed at ensuring the effective organization of both the population and agricultural censuses, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

At the presentation, a proposal was discussed to conduct both population and agricultural censuses simultaneously, based on international experience and with the participation of the World Bank, UNFPA, and FAO.

According to the plan, census activities in Uzbekistan will take place from 15 January to 28 February 2026. The first 17 days will be conducted online, while the following month will involve door-to-door visits with the participation of the neighborhood officials.

This method is expected to significantly reduce costs, saving UZS 1.3 trillion. The census process will also be simpler and more transparent, with the number of questions reduced from the originally planned 328 to 71.

Based on the 2020 recommendations of the Conference of European Statisticians, the census will form a unified database on the composition, migration, family status, occupations, and income sources of Uzbekistan’s 38 million residents.

In addition, the census will determine the use of agricultural land, as well as the number of livestock and poultry. This will provide essential data for assessing the efficiency of annual spending of UZS 25.6 trillion on agriculture, including UZS 2.2 trillion in budget funds, along with evaluating service volumes in the sector and ensuring food security.

To ensure efficient implementation of the census,neighborhood officials will undergo special training and be incentivized. Funding for this will be allocated under the World Bank-supported project to strengthen the statistical system.

Public awareness campaigns will also be launched through mass media and social networks. Special programs and video materials will be broadcast to increase citizens’ awareness.

Overall, these measures are considered vital for accurately determining the real indicators of the population and agriculture, as well as for the effective and targeted implementation of state programs.

The head of state approved the proposals presented and instructed officials to carry out the population and agricultural censuses in a systematic and high-quality manner.