Considered the most important statistical study of the country, Panama begins today and until March 4 the XII Population Census and the VII Housing Census.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the count, pending since 2020 when it was postponed by Covid-19, will allow knowing how many Panamanians and foreign residents live in Panama, where and how they live.

Unlike previous experiences, this time the survey will last two months and will be done in person with the visit to the homes of some nine thousand census enumerators.

Previously, the Census was carried out on a single day nationwide.

With this change in methodology, this research will have a minimal impact on the economy and population mobility, INEC detailed.

According to the director of INEC, Samuel Moreno, the study will cost US$54.7 million and will use high technology, although paper will be used in some areas that are difficult to access.

According to Moreno, it is expected to have preliminary data on July 15, 2023 and, in October of the same year, the final information.

For the government, the objective of these censuses is to have scientific data to support the design of public policies, programs and social actions for the benefit of the population in general.