In accordance with the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan, a complete census of the population and housing stock of the country with the slogan “Census 2022 - Unity, Happiness, Bright Future!” kicked off on Saturday.
The main task of the 11-day census is to obtain accurate data on the demographic composition and socio-economic situation of the country's population.These indicators are essential for the development of state policy, planning and management.
The information on the number, distribution and characteristics of the population will make it possible to lay a reliable foundation for further progress and prosperity of the state, improvement of the welfare of the people, the country’s official media reports.
This census will be held for the first time using digital technologies. Up-to-date equipment and software will be used to collect, process and disseminate data during the campaign. To this end, Turkmenistan cooperates with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Statistics Division and other relevant agencies.
The United Nations expert mission, which visited Ashgabat in April this year, highly assessed Turkmenistan's preparations for the 2022 census, emphasizing the commitment of Turkmenistan to conduct the campaign in full conformity with international standards, according to the report.
Citizens' participation in the census is based on the principle of voluntariness, but at the same time every resident must be clearly aware of its social significance and show civic responsibility, the official Turkmen media reminds.
The United Nations recommends holding such campaigns at least once every ten years. This is necessary in order to have data on the changes taking place in the structure of society.