Iran launches registry-based national population and housing census

Iran has officially commenced its 1405 (2026) national population and housing census, utilizing a new registry-based method. Unlike traditional door-to-door approaches, this hybrid model leverages existing data from various government agencies and ministries to minimize the need for physical visits. Officials state that only approximately 5% of the population will require in-person interviews by census takers to verify or complete specific information.

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that accurate data is essential for achieving social justice and ensuring that resources in sectors such as education, health, and housing are distributed fairly among provinces. The census aims to provide a precise map of demographic shifts, housing conditions, and infrastructure needs to prevent inequality and social gaps.

Implementation is occurring simultaneously across all provinces. In Bushehr, telecommunications infrastructure has been stabilized to support real-time data transmission, while in West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan, local officials are emphasizing the importance of data accuracy for regional budget allocations. The process is expected to conclude by the end of the current month, with preliminary results anticipated in March.