Cuba will conduct a new population census without requesting "sensitive or private" data, according to authorities.

Cuba is preparing to conduct a new Population and Housing Census, the first in twelve years.

The National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) is leading the process, which is already in its initial phase, known as pre-registration or presenso. This step seeks to update information on housing, real estate, and workplaces throughout the country.

In a report Sergio Chirino, director of ONEI in Havana, explained that this stage does not require sensitive data or official documents. The interviewers will only collect general information such as the number of people per household and the type of property. If residents are not present, neighbors or relatives could help complete the questionnaire.

Following pre-registration, a census trial will be conducted in the municipality of Santa Cruz del Norte, in the province of Mayabeque. The exact date of the national census will be announced later. According to Chirino, the census is the most important and expensive statistical survey the country conducts and relies heavily on citizen collaboration.

The last national census was conducted in 2012. Since then, Cuba's social and economic situation has changed significantly. At the end of 2024, the National Institute of Statistics (ONEI) reported an official population of 9,748,532. However, independent studies estimate that the actual figure could be only 8,025,624. This would reflect a drop of almost 24% in just four years, largely due to sustained migration.

The new census will allow us to update the country's demographic data and better understand the current situation of the population and their living conditions.