The Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) and the National Institute of Information for Development (INIDE) reported this Tuesday that the IX Population Census and the V Housing and Establishments Census (CEPOV) will be carried out in April 2024. With which they intend to measure the existing population in the country, to «the basis of future estimates and surveys»highlights the statement from the institutions.
The announcement was also made known by the spokeswoman for the dictatorship Rosario Murillo. «This update that we are going to carry out, since 2005 we have not done it, it will be done next year, INIFOM, the Central Bank, INIDE and other institutions are participating».
The last population census in the country was carried out in 2005, which was called the VIII Population Census and IV Housing Census 2005. The population density for that date was 42 inhabitants per square kilometer and a total of 5,483,000 citizens. According to data from the United Nations, for that year only 0.64% of the population were migrants.
18 years without Census
After the 2005 Census, the next one was scheduled to be carried out in 10 years, which should have been carried out in 2015. For this 2023, 18 years have passed without an update of the demographic situation of the country, the levels of poverty and the average age of the population. According to the statement issued, the process will allow them to measure, among other data, the homes and their characteristics.
This study is announced in the midst of the political and economic crisis that the country is experiencing. Until January of this year, a total of 4.9% of the population that left Nicaragua was counted. According to the medium Confidential, 664,400 migrated to other countries such as the United States and Costa Rica, which are the largest recipients of migrant compatriots.
Agricultural sector included in the census
They also intend to carry out the V National Agricultural Census, in May 2024, «in order to update relevant information on this sector as it is a fundamental activity for the country in terms of exports and job creation»they point out in the letter.
«Also, next year we will carry out the Fenagro V National Agricultural Census. This is going to be between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture… We are going to collect all the information possible, necessary, essential to measure the national population by item, in all productive establishments and farms of all levels: large, medium and small» Murillo stressed.