Today marks a significant milestone for El Salvador as the Central Reserve Bank (BCR) officially launches the VII Population and VI Housing Census 2024. After 17 years without updated data, more than 10,000 trained census takers and brigade supervisors will fan out across Salvadoran homes to conduct the first-ever fully digital census.
The decision to conduct a census stems from President Nayib Bukele’s directive to the Central Reserve Bank in August 2022 to generate basic statistics and conduct censuses. The census aims not only to ascertain the precise number of Salvadorans residing in the territory but also to gain insights into their living conditions and primary needs. President of the BCR, Douglas Rodríguez, emphasized that citizen participation is crucial for crafting more effective public policies.
“This census will shed light on various aspects of Salvadoran life, including educational attainment, technology usage, economic characteristics, and international migration,” explained Rodríguez.
With an investment in cutting-edge technology and support from international financial institutions like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the census is set to revolutionize data collection in El Salvador. Rodríguez assured the public that all information provided during the census will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, as guaranteed by the Special Law on Statistics and Censuses.
Moreover, beyond the invaluable data it will yield, the census is also creating local employment opportunities throughout the country. Rodríguez highlighted that those tasked with collecting information are residents of various departments and districts of El Salvador.
As Salvadorans eagerly anticipate the commencement of the census on May 2nd, the initiative represents not just a data-gathering endeavor but a testament to the government’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of its citizens.