France to launch 2026 population census

France will begin its 2026 population census on January 15, 2026, covering mainland France, the Antilles, and French Guiana. The mandatory statistical operation, managed by INSEE in partnership with local authorities, follows two distinct methodologies based on municipality size.

In municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, all residents are surveyed once every five years. For municipalities with 10,000 inhabitants or more, an annual rotating sample of 8% of dwellings is surveyed over a five-year period to ensure statistical representation while optimizing resources.

The census schedule for smaller communes runs from January 15 to February 14, while larger municipalities will conclude their operations by February 21.