worldwide in 1979 there were 129 officially recognized baháʼí socio-economic development projects. by 1987, the number of officially recognized development projects had increased to 1482. the modern baháʼí community of japan has grown and developed strength in diverse interests. the japanese census does not have questions regarding religion however the association of religion data archives (relying on world christian encyclopedia) estimated some 15,700 baháʼís in 2005 while the cia world factbook estimated about 12,000 members in 2006. in 2005 there were 31 delegates to the national convention to elect the national spiritual assembly of japan.