Population census can be defined as the head count of people living in a geographical area over a period of time. The exercise is called out particularly usually 10 years interval.
A population census is a systematic collection of demographic, social, and economic data of all individuals residing in a specific geographic area. It provides a snapshot of the population at a particular point in time and is usually conducted by government agencies or statistical organizations.
Importance of Population Census
- It is to assist government for proper planning
- It helps to determine the population size of a country
- It helps in distribution of the nation’s resources
- It helps in dividing the country into consistuencies
- It is used to determine revenue
- It is used to determine the standard of living
- It helps to determine the aid to be given by international organisation.
The purpose of a population census is to gather accurate and detailed information about the population of a country or region. This data is used for various purposes, including:
- Planning and resource allocation: Census data helps governments plan and allocate resources for public services such as healthcare, education, transportation, and infrastructure development. It provides insights into population distribution, density, and demographic characteristics, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.
- Electoral representation: Census data is used to determine the number of seats each region or district should have in legislative bodies. It ensures fair representation by adjusting political boundaries based on population changes.
- Policy formulation: Census data is crucial for formulating policies related to social welfare, employment, housing, and other areas. It helps identify specific demographic groups that may require targeted programs or interventions.
- Research and analysis: Census data serves as a valuable resource for researchers, demographers, and social scientists. It allows them to study population trends, patterns, and changes over time, facilitating informed analysis and understanding of various social and economic phenomena.
Problems of Population Census
- Inflation of figures from the census resorts or data collected
- High rate of illiteracy
- Shortage of trade personnel of people for population census exercise
- Customs and superstitions
- High cost of money for census exercise
- Inability to gain an access to some part or state in the country.
The process of conducting a population census typically involves collecting information through a questionnaire or interview-based survey. Enumerators or census takers visit households or use online platforms to gather data on population characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, and household composition. The collected data is then processed, analyzed, and made available to the public in aggregated and anonymized forms.
It’s important to note that specific census procedures may vary from country to country, depending on their respective legal frameworks, resources, and technological capabilities.
See also
ACCIDENT IN THE HOMES AND SCHOOLS | MEASURES FOR SAFETY
ACCIDENTS IN THE HOME AND IN SCHOOL; NEEDS FOR SAFETY
INFLUENCE OF MAN IN THE ENVIRONMENT