Uzbekistan cuts census spending to UZS 150 billion

On 19 September, presidential decree No. 173 “On conducting the population and agricultural census in the Republic of Uzbekistan” was issued.

Under the decree, the census will be held from 15 January to 28 February 2026. The first 17 days will be conducted online, after which the process will continue in person, with representatives of the neighborhood authorities visiting households.

The National Statistics Committee told Kun.uz that carrying out part of the process online and conducting the population and agricultural census in parallel would help cut costs.

“According to our initial plans, the census was expected to cost UZS 1.5 trillion. However, we have reduced the expenses tenfold – about UZS 150 billion will be spent on the 2026 population census. The exact figure will be reflected in a forthcoming government resolution,” said the committee’s press secretary Usmon Abdurasulov.

Most of the spending will go toward incentives for neighborhood workers involved in the process, as well as organizing outreach and awareness campaigns.

The official also responded to Kun.uz’s question about why the census will be held in winter, during the cold season.

“Initially, the event was planned for October, as labor migrants usually return home during that period. But since the agricultural census will also be conducted in parallel, we chose a time that would not coincide with planting or harvest. In January and February, most people are at home,” he explained.

Abdurasulov added that members of the “neighborhood seven” will take part in the census, except for neighborhood chairpersons and guards. “Neighborhood chairpersons are usually older people, and we cannot involve them in the process. As for the guards, they already have important duties,” he said.

Why is Uzbekistan conducting a population census?

Chairman of the National Statistics Committee Behzod Hamraev stressed that the census would not only provide data on demographic composition and living conditions but also serve as an important source for ensuring food security, drafting socio-economic programs, shaping demographic development, and planning urban development projects.

“The National Statistics Committee, the Mahalla Association, and the Ministry of Agriculture have been tasked with conducting broad outreach. Over a period of 3–3.5 months, the public will be informed in detail about the importance of the census and the safety of personal data.

Regional commissions have been established, and preliminary listing activities have already begun. Work is now underway on the questionnaire and the material-technical preparations,” Hamraev said.

Background

The last population census in Uzbekistan was conducted in 1989. For the first time since independence, the process will be carried out in 2026.

The census results are expected to serve as a key source for the country’s economic and social development, resource planning, and regional programs.

The population and agricultural census will provide not only an analysis of demographic processes but also a foundation for designing economic development strategies, ensuring access to social services, managing urbanization, maintaining labor market balance, and effectively organizing education, healthcare, and social protection systems.