This article is based on a report originally published by the Salvadoran newspaper Diario Latino about El Salvador’s upcoming Economic Census.
El Salvador is preparing to better understand its economy. President Nayib Bukele has signed an executive order for the 8th Economic Census—the first in a long time—and has created a National Census Commission to oversee the process.
While the census might seem important only to economists, it can actually impact jobs, investment, and how public money is used in El Salvador.
What Is an Economic Census?
An Economic Census is a nationwide effort to collect information about businesses and economic activity. In simple terms, it tries to answer questions like:
- How many businesses are operating in El Salvador?
- In what sectors do they work (commerce, services, industry, agriculture, etc.)?
- How many jobs do they create?
- Where are they located, by municipality and department?
This data lets the government plan with real, current information instead of relying on guesses. El Salvador has needed this for quite a while.
Who Will Be in Charge?
The Central Reserve Bank (BCR) will be responsible for the census. Since 2022, the BCR has handled national statistics following the closure of the old Directorate General of Statistics and Censuses.
Reports say the BCR has already:
- Completed 100% of the cartographic update of the country.
- Conducted a pre‑census across the national territory.
They have already mapped out areas and found businesses in all 14 departments, using 18 regional offices. This should help the census run faster and more smoothly.
Part of a Bigger Statistical Effort in 2026
The 8th Economic Census is only one part of a larger plan to update statistics in El Salvador. The government says the economy is a top priority in its second term, which is clear from other upcoming projects:
- A National Agricultural Census will help show how the farming sector is structured and how it supports food security.
- A National Household Income and Expenditure Survey will measure living conditions, what Salvadoran families spend money on, and how much they spend on food and health.
All these studies together will give a clearer and more complete picture of how people in El Salvador live, work, and produce.
Why Is This Happening Now?
This decision comes at a time when El Salvador’s economy is sending mixed signals:
- The government estimated growth above 4% at the end of 2025.
- International organizations, such as the IMF, have more cautious forecasts.
In times like this, having reliable data is essential. Without it, it’s hard to know:
- Whether economic growth is reaching ordinary people through more and better jobs.
- Which sectors are really driving the economy and could receive more support?
- Which regions are being left behind and need more public investment?
Trying to make public policy without solid data is like driving at night with no headlights.
How Will the Institutions Work Together?
A census of this size needs more than one institution. Many agencies have to work together and share information.
The newly created National Census Commission will bring together:
- Ministries and public institutions related to the economy and social policy.
- The National Registry of Persons.
- The Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS).
- Municipal governments.
- Other public bodies that handle statistics and records.
The aim is to avoid duplicating work, share information in an organized way, and build a clear, unified picture of El Salvador’s economy.
Catching Up After Years Without an Economic Census
International standards recommend that countries do a census every 10 years. El Salvador has missed this timeline, leaving a significant gap in economic information.
That’s why the 8th Economic Census is more than just another government project. It can also be viewed as:
- A gesture toward greater transparency by publishing clear, verifiable data on economic activity.
- A move toward evidence‑based planning, instead of decisions based only on political interests or impressions.
- An effort to get in line with international best practices in the field of official statistics.
What Will This Mean for People, Businesses, and Communities?
Even though many details like dates and questionnaires are still being decided, we can already see some possible benefits if the census is done well:
small and medium businesses
- Better information about how many businesses like theirs exist and where.
- Data to understand if their sector is growing or shrinking.
- A better foundation for requesting loans, investments, or support programs.
investors (local and foreign)
- A clearer idea of the size and location of economic activity.
- More confidence when deciding whether to open or expand operations in the country.
- Less uncertainty when planning long-term projects.
citizens and local governments
- Tools to demand public policies based on real needs.
- Information to prioritize projects such as roads, markets, training centers, or industrial parks.
- A clearer idea of where jobs are being created and where opportunities are still missing.
A Needed Step Toward a Better Economic Future
For years, El Salvador has tried to grow without a clear understanding of its current economy. The 8th Economic Census and other studies planned for 2026 are a chance to change that.
If the process is done carefully, with strong technical standards and transparency, the country will have a powerful tool to:
- Design smarter and more effective public policies.
- Attract investment that responds to the country’s real situation.
- Build a development model that is more strategic and less improvised.
As data becomes more valuable, updating our economic information is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s a necessary step if El Salvador wants to grow sustainably and inclusively.
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