The president signed Conducting a population and agricultural census in the Republic of Uzbekistan Decree Friday. According to the decree, the census will be held from January 15 to February 28, 2026. The first 17 days the census will roll out online, and afterwards will be conducted by door-to-door visits by by mahalla (neighborhood self-government entity) employees.

Reportedly, due to the census partially going online, this will help cut the public spending.

“According to initial estimates, 1.5 trillion soums were to be contributed on the census. However, we have cut the costs by 10 times - approximately 150 billion soums are expected to be spent on the 2026 population census. Exact figures will be inserted in the government resolution that will be announced in the coming days,” said the committee’s spokesman, Usmon Abdurasulov.

What is the population census good for?

According to Behzod Khamroev, Chairman of the National Statistics Committee, the census provides information not only on the demographics and living conditions, but also serves as an important source for ensuring food security, developing socio-economic programs, demographic development, and urban development planning.

The last population census in Uzbekistan was conducted in 1989. This will be the first census since Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991.

The results of the census will serve as a key source for the country's economic and social development, resource planning, and the definition of regional programs.

The population and agricultural census will help for analyzing demographic processes, developing economic development strategies, providing social services, managing urbanization processes, maintaining labor market balance, and effectively organizing education, healthcare, and social protection systems.