15.06.2026
Kazakhstan prepares for a register-based population census
A three-day national technical seminar on preparations for a register-based population census has begun in Astana.
The event brings together representatives of government authorities, international organizations and leading experts in statistics to discuss further steps towards modernizing Kazakhstan’s national statistical system.
Over the three days, participants will review the current state and quality of administrative data, assess the readiness of government information systems to provide data for population census purposes, identify key areas for further development of statistical registers, and develop proposals for the main measures required for Kazakhstan’s transition to a register-based population census.
The seminar is being held as part of a project initiated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project aims to support countries in the region in transitioning to modern population census models based on administrative registers.
The event is attended by representatives of ESCAP and UNFPA, international experts, as well as officials from relevant ministries and government authorities of Kazakhstan.
“Taking into account the UN recommendations for preparations for the 2030 round of population censuses, Kazakhstan is already taking systematic steps to develop statistical registers and expand the use of administrative data. Data quality, the development of government information systems and effective interagency cooperation are crucial for a successful transition to a register-based population census. The Bureau of National Statistics is consistently developing the Population Statistical Register and, together with government authorities, assessing the readiness of existing information resources for census purposes. I am confident that the seminar will help develop practical solutions and identify further steps to improve the national statistical system,” said Gulmira Karaulova, Deputy Head of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The seminar program includes a series of expert sessions and practical discussions with all relevant government authorities.
Chinwe Ogbonna, UNFPA Representative in Kazakhstan and Country Director for Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, confirmed UNFPA’s readiness to continue supporting Kazakhstan in preparing for a next-generation population census and developing a modern statistical system.
“The transition to a register-based population census is an important step towards creating a more efficient, sustainable and data-driven official statistical system. The success of this work largely depends on the quality of administrative data, the development of digital infrastructure and close cooperation among government authorities. UNFPA welcomes Kazakhstan’s efforts to implement modern international standards in statistics and stands ready to provide expert support at all stages of this process. I am confident that the outcomes of the seminar will make an important contribution to the preparation of the national roadmap and help identify practical steps for a successful transition to a register-based population census,” said Chinwe Ogbonna.
The transition to a register-based population census is one of the key areas of modernization of Kazakhstan’s national statistical system. Its implementation will help improve the quality of statistical data, reduce the burden on the population and enable more timely access to information needed for effective government decision-making.
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