Tajikistan Launches Census

A national census got under way in Tajikistan on September 21, with 27,000 people deployed to go from door to door around the country. 

The last census was held in 2000, and experts say the new one must be more conducted more accurately as the government uses the data to plan infrastructure projects like schools and to calculate welfare provision. Possible problem areas include labour migrants – the sizeable proportion of the adult population which is away working in Russia or other countries – and homeowners who might refuse to answer the door because they owe money for utilities bills.

For the first time, census-takers will also be recording housing, to provide a comprehensive map of residential areas and street names.

The census results will be made public some time next year.

The audio programme, in Russian and Tajik, went out on national radio stations in Tajikistan, as part of IWPR project work funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.