Demographic and Social Statistics
World Population and Housing Census Programme
- 1. Principes et recommandations concernant les recensements de la population et des logements, Troisième révision
- 2. Manuel d'organisation et de gestion des recensements de la population et de l'habitation, Deuxième révision
The 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme was approved by the Statistical Commission at its 46th session and adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in resolution E/RES/2015/10. The Programme recognizes population and housing censuses as one of the primary sources of data needed for formulating, implementing and monitoring policies and programmes aimed at inclusive socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability. It further recognizes population and housing censuses as an important source for supplying disaggregated data needed for the measurement of progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in the context of assessing the situation of people by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability and geographic location, or other characteristics.
The 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme comprises a number of inter-related objectives and activities aimed at ensuring that:
- Member States conduct at least one population and housing census during the period from 2015 to 2024;
- Member States take into account international and regional recommendations relating to population and housing censuses and give particular attention to advance planning, cost efficiency, coverage and the timely dissemination of, and easy access to, census results;
- Member States set quality standards for the conduct and evaluation of population and housing censuses in order to uphold the integrity, reliability, accuracy and value of the population and housing census results;
- Full-fledged support is rendered to the Programme given its importance for sustainable development planning, especially in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
- International statistical standards, methods and guidelines are prepared to facilitate the conduct of population and housing censuses;
- Activities among stakeholders are coordinated in assisting Member States to plan and carry out a census; and,
- Implementation of the Programme is monitored and regularly reported to the Statistical Commission.
The purpose of this website is to provide an online information resource on census taking and to present current information on national, regional and international activities related to the Programme.
The website presents international standards, methods and guidelines intended to assist national statistical offices and other producers of official statistics in planning and carrying out successful population and housing censuses. It further presents national documents related to different aspects of census taking during the current and previous census rounds. A major component of the website is the census knowledge base which is a repository of methodological reports and documents from countries. Given that new methodologies and contemporary technologies are being implemented by countries in the pursuit of reduced costs, improved quality and timely dissemination of census results, the census knowledge base facilitates the international exchange and sharing of knowledge and information on various aspects of census taking.
The content of the website includes an up-to-date account of national census taking activities and of the provision of support to countries in improving their statistical capacity in census taking. Furthermore, the website provides a summary account of monitoring and progress in the implementation of the 2020 World Programme.
New releases
- Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Rev. 3 (French, unedited, not typeset, 2017)
- Handbook on the Management of Population and Housing Censuses, Rev. 2 (French, 2020)
Census News
Final results of the 2017 Population and Housing Census of Palestine.
- Establishments Report-Population, Housing and Establishments Census 2017 Report link
- The Census Final Results Summary Report link
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) presentation link and video link
Posted 7 November 2018
Preliminary results of the 2017 Population and Housing Census of Palestine.
English
Arabic
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) documentary film on the Population, Housing and Establishments Census 2017. Video
Posted 25 April 2018
Data on religion from Myanmar's 2014 census released. Read more...
Presentation of the Religion Report
Posted 8 September 2016
Bosnia and Herzegovina released final results of 2013 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
Posted 1 July 2016
Uganda 2014 Population and Housing Census results. Read more...
Posted 23 May 2016
Statistics Canada launches 2016 census and Canadians show enthusiasm for return of the long-form census. Read more...
Posted 10 May 2016
Japan 2015 population census preliminary results. Read more...
Posted 20 April 2016
Jordan released preliminary results from 2015 population and housing census.
Read more...
Posted February 2016
Timor-Leste preliminary results from 2015 population and housing census.
Read more...
Posted October 2015
United Nations Economic and Social Council adopts resolution on the 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme. Read more...
Posted 11 June 2015
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Timor Leste launches 2015 census campaign. Read more...
- - Posted 10 June 2015
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United Kingdom 2021 Census. Read more...
- - Posted 4 June 2015
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Myanmar 2014 Census results report. Read more...
- - Posted 29 May 2015
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Anguilla Population and Housing Census 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 22 May 2015
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Georgia 2014 General Population Census preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 4 May 2015
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United Kingdom publishes 2011 Census: General Report for England and Wales. Read more...
- - Posted 5 March 2015
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Republic of Moldova 2014 Census preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 13 January 2015
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Uganda 2014 Population and Housing Census results. Read more...
- - Posted 16 December 2014
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Anguilla 2011 Population and Housing Census results. Read more...
- - Posted 9 December 2014
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Angola 2014 General Census of Population and Housing preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 10 November 2014
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United Nations Regional Workshop on Revision 3 of Principles and Recommendations for 2020 round of Population and Housing Censuses and Evaluation of Census Data, Amman, Jordan, 19-23 October 2014.
Read more...- - Posted 7 November 2014
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The provisional results of the Myanmar Census 2014:
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- Posted 5 September 2014
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ONS releases UK census data at Output Area level and New 2011 Census Analysis. Read more...
- - Posted 13 June 2014
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Albania 2011 Census analytical reports:
http://www.instat.gov.al/en/census/census-2011/publications.aspx- - 12 June 2014
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United Kingdom 2021 Census - recommendations for a predominantly online census. Read more...
- - Posted 21 April 2014
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Anguilla 2011 Census preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 13 March 2014
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Suriname 2012 Census Analytical Report on Households, Dwellings and Families, Environment, Crime.
Read more...- - Posted 18 February 2014
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Suriname 2012 Census Analytical Report on Education, Employment and Transportation, Fertility and Mortality, Health and Sports. Read more...
- - Posted 14 January 2014
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United Nations Statistics Division publishes a report on an Overview of National Experiences for Population and Housing Censuses of the 2010 Round. Read more...
- - Posted 5 June 2013
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Bosnia and Herzegovina sets date for 2013 census. Read more...
- - Posted 5 June 2013
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Seminar on Population and Housing Census Practices of OIC Member Countries, 6-8 March 2013, Ankara, Turkey
The objective of the Seminar was to take stock of and to foster exchange of national experiences in conducting censuses for the 2010 round, as well as to seek ways of cooperation among OIC Member States in this area of statistical activities for the next round of censuses. Read more...- - Posted 14 March 2013
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Suriname 2012 census preliminary results published. For more information, visit Statistics Suriname.
Read more...- - Posted 5 February 2013
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Seminar on Population and Housing Census Practices of OIC Member Countries, 6-8 March 2013, Ankara, Turkey
The Secretariat of the Statistical Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-StatCom), is organizing a seminar on population and housing census practices of the OIC Member Countries which will provide a discussion forum for countries to share experiences and lessons learnt from censuses conducted during the 2010 round. Read more...- - Posted 5 February 2013
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Zimbabwe 2012 Population Census preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 5 February 2013
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Uruguay Census 2011 database and documentation published at
http://www.ine.gub.uy/censos2011/index.html- - Posted 23 January 2013
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Spain has a population of 46 815 916 inhabitants at 1 November 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 17 December 2012
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Nepal 2011 National Population and Housing Census report. Read more...
- - Posted 5 December 2012
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Iran - Selected findings of the 2011 National Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 5 December 2012
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International Seminar on Population and Housing Censuses: Beyond the 2010 Round, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 27-29 November 2012. Read more...
- - Posted 19 November 2012
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South Africa Census 2011 enumerated 51 770 560 persons.
Results - PPT - Trends - PPT - Reports are available Read more...
- - Posted 8 November 2012
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United Nations Workshop on Population Projections for African Countries, Pretoria, South Africa, 29 October–2 November 2012. Read more...
- - Posted 6 November 2012
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Rwanda conducts 2012 census. Read more...
- - Posted 28 August 2012
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Suriname conducts 8th Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 23 August 2012
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Ethiopia publishes 2007 census administrative report. Read more...
- - Posted 17 August 2012
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Bangladesh announces final results of Population and Housing Census 2011. Details available on BBS website (www.bbs.gov.bd).
- - Posted 26 July 2012
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The first results from the UK 2011 population census were published on 16 July 2012. Read more...
- - Posted 25 July 2012
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The United Nations Statistics Division has conducted the Workshop for South Asian countries on Collection and Dissemination of Socio-economic Data from Population and Housing Censuses. Read more...
- - Posted 6 June 2012
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Czech Republic release of final results from 2011 census. Read more...
- - Posted 22 May 2012
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The United Nations Statistics Division has organized the Kenya National Seminar on Census Data Analysis. Read more...
- - Posted 2 April 2012
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The processing of the data collected in the 2011 Census of the UK (held on 27 March 2011) is well underway, and the first results are expected to be released during the summer 2012. Read more...
- - Posted 13 February 2012
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Bermuda 2010 Census of Population and Housing final results released. Read more...
- - Posted 20 January 2012
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Albania publishes 2011 census preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 13 January 2012
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Tonga National Population Census 2011 - Preliminary count. Read more...
- - Posted 27 December 2011
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New Zealand to conduct census in 2013. Read more...
- - Posted 27 December 2011
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Tokelau final count for 2011 census of population and dwellings. Read more...
- - Posted 27 December 2011
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Norfolk Island publishes 2011 census results. Read more...
- - Posted 27 December 2011
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Hungary conducts 2011 Population and Housing Census.
Read more...
- - Posted 2 December 2011
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The United Nations Sub-regional workshop on evaluation of census data took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 14 to 17 November 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 30 November 2011
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The United Nations Statistics Division has organized the Burkina Faso National Seminar on Census Data Analysis, from 14 to 16 November in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Read more...
- - Posted 22 November 2011
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Iran conducts 2011 census. Read more...
- - Posted 1 November 2011
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On October 26, 2011, the Statistics Bureau of Japan released the results of the Basic Complete Tabulation on Population and Households of the 2010 Population Census of Japan. Read more...
- - Posted 26 October 2011
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The 15th Population and Housing Census of Turkey is undertaken in October-November 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 12 October 2011
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2011 Population and Housing Census in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is underway. More at: http://makstat.stat.gov.mk/popis2011/Default_en.aspx
- - Posted 10 October 2011
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Albania conducts 2011 Population and Housing Census. More at: http://census.al/default.aspx?lang=en
- - Posted 10 October 2011
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Nepal releases preliminary results of National Population and Housing Census 2011. More at: http://www.census.gov.np/
- - Posted 7 October 2011
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The Population and Housing Census of Serbia is now underway - the enumeration is planned for the period of 1-15 October, with the census moment set for midnight of 1 October. Read more...
- - Posted 7 October 2011
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The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), in collaboration with the African Centre for Statistics at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has organized the Regional Seminar on Census Data Archiving for Africa. Read more...
- - Posted 3 October 2011
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Uganda pilot for 2012 census. Read more...
- - Posted 15 September 2011
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Iran prepares for 2011 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 18 July 2011
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Turkey prepares for the 2011 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 5 July 2011
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Statistics Finland has opened thematic web pages related to population census. Read more...
- - Posted 28 June 2011
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Mongolia has published the main findings of its 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 20 June 2011
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Anguilla conducts Census 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 20 June 2011
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Montenegro releases first results of the 2011 Census. Read more...
- - Posted 16 May 2011
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Japan publishes preliminary results of the 2010 Population Census of Japan. Read more...
- - Posted 3 May 2011
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Brazil releases final results for 2010 census. Read more...(in Portuguese) - Read more...(in English)
- - Posted 3 May 2011
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China 2010 census total population was 1,339,724,852 persons. Read more...
- - Posted 28 April 2011
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Saint Lucia publishes Preliminary Census 2010 Housing and Population Census Report. Read more...
- - Posted 25 April 2011
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Montenegro is conducting its first census since the independence of the country, 1-15 April 2011, under the responsibility of MONSTAT, the Statistical Office of Montenegro and with the collaboration of the 21 municipalities. 3884 enumerators are mobilised to collect the data. Read more...
- - Posted 8 April 2011
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2011 Census of India counted 1,210,193,422 people, up by 181.5 million people in 10 years. Read more...
- - Posted 4 April 2011
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United Nations Statistics Division publishes the Report on the Results of a Survey on Census Methods used by Countries in the 2010 Census Round. Read more...
- - Posted 28 March 2011
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Cayman Islands publishes preliminary results from the 2010 Population and Housing Census Preliminary Report. Read more...
- - Posted 25 March 2011
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Germany prepares for a mixed mode data collection for Census 2011. Read more...
- - Posted 17 March 2011
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New Zealand cancels 2011 Census of Population and Dwellings. Read more...
- - Posted 28 February 2011
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Zambia 2010 Census of Population and Housing preliminary results. Read more...
- - Posted 28 February 2011
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Ghana has published preliminary results for the 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 28 February 2011
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Oman 2010 Census preliminary results are out. Read more...
- - Posted 25 January
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Indonesia 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 20 January 2011
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The US resident population stands at 308,745,538. Read more...
- - Posted 21 December 2010
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UNSD, in collaboration with the Jordan Department of Statistics and the Arab Training Institute for Research in Statistics, has conducted the Workshop on Census Evaluation for Arabic Speaking Countries (Amman, Jordan, 21-24 November 2010).
- - Posted 1 December 2010
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Brazilian population stands at 190 million according to preliminary results of the 2010 census. Read more...
- - Posted 1 December 2010
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Field operations ongoing for Mongolia 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 12 November 2010
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Togo has conducted 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 12 November 2010
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Kenyan census campaign wins United Nations public relations award. Read more...
- - Posted 5 November 2010
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Zambia conducts 2010 Census of Population and Housing. Read more...
- - Posted 5 November 2010
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China conducts 2010 Population and Housing Census.
- - Posted 3 November 2010
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Argentina conducts 2010 census. Read more...
- - Posted 2 November 2010
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The field operation for the 2010 census of Japan was completed. Read more...
- - Posted 2 November 2010
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Mongolia prepares for the November 2010 population and housing census. Read more...
- - Posted 29 October 2010
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Anguilla Population and Housing Census 2011:
- Slogan - "Anguilla Population and Housing Census 2011 - It All Adds Up"
- - Jingle - MP3
- - Read more...
- - Posted 25 October 2010
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The United Nations Statistics Division has launched an initiative to collect from countries copies of posters and other publicity material for the 2010 round of population and housing censuses. See Poster Gallery
- - Posted 25 October 2010
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CAPMAS launches CensusInfo Egypt. Read more...
- - Posted 20 October 2010
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Turkey conducts the pilot study for the 2011 Population and Housing census. Read more...
- - Posted 18 October 2010
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Cayman Islands conducts 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 18 October 2010
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Kenya has released the results of the 2009 census. Read more...
- - Posted 1 September 2010
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Brazil conducts the 2010 census. Read more...
- - Posted 31 August 2010
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Preparations for the 2010 census of Japan are underway. Read more...
- - Posted 26 August 2010
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Anguilla has slogan for the 2011 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 29 July 2010
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Hong Kong conducts the pilot survey for the 2011 Population Census. Read more...
- - Posted 23 June 2010
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Meaning of 2011 Census of India logo. Read more...
- - Posted 23 June 2010
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Indonesia has conducted its census for the 2010 census round. Read more...
- - Posted 11 June 2010
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Bermuda conducts 2010 Census of Population and Housing. Read more...
- - Posted 1 June 2010
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The Philippines carries out the 2010 Population and Housing Census. For more information, see: http://www.census.gov.ph/data/pressrelease/2010/pr1098tx.html
- - Posted 28 May 2010
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UNSD, in collaboration with CAPMAS, has organized the Egypt National Seminar on Census Data Analysis in Cairo, Egypt from 17 to19 May 2010. Read more...
- - Posted 26 May 2010
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The message behind the logo for the Philippines 2010 population and housing census. Read more...
- - Posted 26 May 2010
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Cayman Islands has officially launched the 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 1 May 2010
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Post Enumeration Surveys Operational Guidelines - Technical Report: The objective of the Technical Report is to provide operational guidelines for the preparation and implementation of a post enumeration survey. Read more...
- - Posted 19 April 2010
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The Handbook on Population and Housing Census Editing has been released on the website of the 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses of the UNSD. Read more...
- - Posted 13 April 2010
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More than 50 participants attended a seminar organized by UNSD on CensusInfo on Monday 22 February. Read more...
- - Posted 1 March 2010
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Press Conference on Challenges Faced by Countries Emerging from Conflicts in Conducting Census of Housing, Population (25 February 2010)
The 2010 world census program was crucial in helping countries emerging from conflict better plan national development strategies and institute democratic reform, said Paul Cheung, Director of the United Nations Statistics Division. Read more...- - Posted 19 April 2010
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The 3rd population and housing census of Ethiopia commenced on 28 May 2007 Read more...
- Press conference video available at: YouTube
- Media coverage:
- - Posted 26 February 2010
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The CensusInfo software for census data dissemination is now accessible from the UNSD website. Read more...
- - Posted 18 February 2010
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Japan unveils the logos for the 2010 census. Read more...
- - Posted 17 February 2010
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Kyrgyzstan has published Main Social and Demographic Characteristics of Population and Number of Housing Units from the 2009 census. Read more...
- - Posted 28 January 2010
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Uganda has unveiled the 2012 census logo. Read more...
- - Posted 25 January 2010
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Ghana has unveiled the logo for the 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 14 January 2010
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The United States Census Bureau launches 2010 Census advertising campaign. Read more...
- - Posted 14 January 2010
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The results of the 2008 Census of Population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) were announced on 16 December 2009. Detailed report available at: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/country_impl.htm
- - Posted 7 January 2010
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Thailand is preparing for the next population and housing census which is scheduled for 1 July 2010. Read more...
- - Posted 4 January 2010
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The United Nations Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 2 in Arabic is now available on-line. More at: http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/census3.htm
- - Posted 24 December 2009
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Ghana is preparing for the 2010 census of population and housing. Read more...
- - Posted 23 December 2009
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The second meeting of the International Technical Advisory Board for Iraq Census is being held in Amman, Jordan, 16-17 December 2009. The meeting will follow up on the recommendations of the 1st meeting; and discuss the Census Progress report, lessons learned from the Pilot Census and communication, advocacy and publicity campaign.
- - Posted 16 December 2009
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Mozambique has presented the final results of the 2007 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 7 December 2009
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Malawi has release the final results of the 2008 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 7 December 2009
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The United Nations Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 2 in Russian is now available on-line. More at: Download
- - Posted 7 December 2009
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New Caledonia has released provisional results from its Census 2009. According to the provisional results, the population count is 245 580 inhabitants. More information is available at: http://www.isee.nc/
- - Posted 2 December 2009
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Recensement 2009 de la population de Nouvelle-Caledonie: premiers resultats provisoires. La Nouvelle-Caledonie compte 245 580 habitants. Plus d`information: http://www.isee.nc/
- - Posted 2 December 2009
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Needs Assessment Conference for Census Analysis, 11-13 November 2009, Dakar, Senegal, is sponsored by UNFPA and the UN Statistics Division. The main objective of this conference, is to create a dialogue between census specialists and population data users in the region of sub-Saharan Africa. The aim is to achieve timely, accurate, and relevant census data relevant to the policy needs of the region. For more info go to:
- http://www.unfpa.org/public/site/global/lang/en/pid/4118
- Photo from the workshop- - Posted 13 November 2009
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The National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus is conducting the Population and Housing Census from 14-24 October 2009. More at: http://belstat.gov.by/homep/en/census/2009/main.php
- - Posted 22 October 2009
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United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, is organizing a CensusInfo Regional Workshop for the Caribbean Region, in Georgetown, Guyana, from 12 to 15 October 2009. The workshop brings together the data managers from 17 countries in the Caribbean region and Guyana, many of which plan to have a census in 2010 or 2011. Upon the completion of the workshop, the participants are expected to acquire through hands-on exercises the skills to make census data in all of its disaggregated forms easily accessible to the international community.
- - Posted 16 October 2009
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In 2008, the UNSD organized a series of six workshops in different regions of the world to present and discuss contemporary technologies in census data capture, including the use of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), Optical Character Recognition/Intelligent Character Recognition (OCR/ICR), Internet data collection, and use of handheld devices for data collection. In order to build knowledge on the vast amount of information presented and collected during these workshops, a technical report has been prepared to help countries in their planning of their next population and housing census. Read more...
- - Posted 7 October 2009
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The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), organized and conducted the Regional Workshop on Census Evaluation and Post Enumeration Surveys in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 14-18 September 2009. Read more...
- - Posted 5 October 2009
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The Cambodia 2008 Population Census final results have been released. The population of Cambodia increased by 1.96 million from 11.4 in 1998 to 13.4 million in 2008. Read more...
- - Posted 29 September 2009
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The website of the 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme is now on Twitter. Join today to start receiving Census's tweets and keep informed of the 2010 round of Population and Housing Censuses in the World.
- - Posted 26 August 2009
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The Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics is the first National Office of Statistics to disseminate the results of its 2007 census using CensusInfo. CensusInfo is a software package developed by the United Nations Statistics Division in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, to help countries disseminate census data on CD-ROM and on the web. Based on the DevInfo platform, specific functionalities have been added to meet the census dissemination requirements: enhanced performance, template reports for dissemination at any geographical level, and mapping facilities. More at: http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/CensusInfo/
- - Posted 26 August 2009
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Enumeration has begun for the 2009 Population and Housing Census of Kenya. For more information, go to: http://www.kenyacensus2009.go.ke/
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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In 2005/2006, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat initiated the first phase in a programme of work designed to assist Member Countries of the Region in their preparations for the conduct of the 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses. Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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During the preparations for the 2010 Census a new methodology was developed at the Aruba Central Bureau of Statistics, to determine type of household and family. Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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Since 1st July, detailed results of the 2006 census of France have been available on the website of Insee at www.insee.fr. From now on, census results will be updated every year and disseminated at every geographical level, from communes to the whole of France. Thanks to the yearly data collection (rolling census) and with the annual publication of the results, the census becomes an invaluable information source for decision making. Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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Depuis le 1er juillet, les résultats statistiques du recensement de la population de la France de 2006 sont accessibles sur un espace dédié du site www.insee.fr. Dorénavant actualisés chaque année, ces résultats sont proposés pour tous les niveaux géographiques, de la commune â la France dans son ensemble. Grâce â l'annualisation de la collecte et â la publication annuelle des résultats, le recensement devient une source d'information précieuse pour les acteurs publics. Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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On May 20th 2009, the Bermuda Government, Department of Statistics officially launched the planning of its 2010 Census of Population & Housing, and the commencement of its Census Pre-test activities Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), in collaboration with the Paraguay Direccion General de Estadistica, Encuestas y Censos, organized and conducted the Regional Workshop on Census Evaluation and Post Enumeration Surveys Asunción, Paraguay, 3-7 August 2009. Read more...
- - Posted 14 August 2009
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The website of the 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme has a new feature on country implementation of the 2010 census round. The website presents documents related to different aspects of implementation of the 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme at the national level. Read more...
- - Posted 31 July 2009
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Guinea Bissau has released preliminary results of the 2009 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 31 July 2009
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The government of Liberia has published the final results of the 2008 census. For more information, see: http://www.lisgis.org/Docs/NPHC 2008 Report - Final.pdf
- - Posted 21 July 2009
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Upon the request of the Iraqi government, UNFPA in cooperation with UNSD organized the first meeting of the 'International Technical Advisory Board for Iraq Census' (ITAB-IC), 8-9 July 2009 in Amman, Jordan Read more...
- - Posted 17 July 2009
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The Anguilla Statistics Department has established an "Anguilla 2011 Population and Housing Census" blog. Read more...
- - Posted 13 July 2009
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The "Handbook on Geospatial Infrastructure in Support of Census Activities" is now available in print form. The publication is also available on the UNSD website at: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/census3.htm
- - Posted 11 July 2009
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The Republic of Serbia conducted a pilot census from 1st to 15th April 2009. Read more...
- - Posted 2 June 2009
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The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is conducting the pilot Census of population, households and dwellings in the period from 15 to 30 May 2009. For more information, go to: http://www.stat.gov.mk/english/probenpopis2009_eng.asp
- - Posted 19 May 2009
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China plans to conduct its sixth national population census in 2010. For more information, go to: http://english.gov.cn/2009-05/07/content_ 1306647.htm
- - Posted 15 May 2009
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Uruguay prepares for the 2010 Population and Housing Census. Read more...
- - Posted 7 May 2009
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One Year Countdown to the 2010 Census of the United States of America. More at: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/2010_census/013610.html
- - Posted 4 May 2009
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Preparations for the 2010 Population and Housing Census of Qatar are underway. For more information, go to: http://www.qsa.gov.qa/QatarCensus/ and http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/News/2009/Articles/07.htm
- - Posted 30 April 2009
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Israel has conducted the 2008 census, starting the night of December 27, 2008. Read more...
- - Posted 24 April 2009
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Mali has launched its fourth Population and Housing Census. Data collection began on 1 April 2009 throughout the territory, and should be completed no later than April 14 evening. Read more...
- - Posted 6 April 2009
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Le Mali vient de lancer son quatrième recensement de la population et de l'habitat. La collecte a débuté le 1er avril 2009 sur l'ensemble du territoire et devrait s'achever au plus tard le 14 avril au soir. Read more...
- - Posted 6 April 2009
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Mongolia has launched preparations for the 2010 Population and Housing Census (PHC) scheduled to be conducted between 10 and 16 January 2010. Read more...
- - Posted 6 April 2009
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On March 24, 2009 enumeration for the 2009 census of Kyrgyzstan started. Read more...
- - Posted 1 April 2009
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The Handbook on Geospatial Infrastructure in Support of Census Activities has been published. Read more...
- - Posted 30 March 2009
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Djibouti has officially launched the 2nd Population and Housing Census (in French) Read more...
- - Posted 16 March 2009
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Djibouti vient de lancer officiellement le deuxième recensement de la population et de l'habitat Read more...
- - Posted 16 March 2009
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Vanuatu prepares for the 3rd population census, which is scheduled for 16 November 2009 Read more...
- - Posted 13 March 2009
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The Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics - IBGE, in a joint action with the General Directorate for Statistics, Surveys and Censuses of Paraguay - DGEEC carried out last November the Third Joint Pilot Test for the 2010 Population Census Read more...
- - Posted 11 March 2009
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O Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE em conjunto com a Dirección General de Estadística, Encuestas y Censos - DGEEC do Paraguai realizou a III Prova Piloto Conjunta do Censo Demográfico 2010 Read more...
- - Posted 11 March 2009
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The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) will conduct, in August 2010, the twelfth Demographic Brazilian Census Read more...
- - Posted 10 March 2009
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Tanzania has launched preparations for the 2010 Population and Housing Census Read more...
- - Posted 10 March 2009
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Kazakhstan is conducting its second Population and Housing Census from February 25 to March 6 2009. More at: http://www.kz2009.kz/Pages/Default.aspx
- - Posted 6 March 2009
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Kyrgyzstan is conducting its second Population and Housing Census from March 24 to April 24 2009. More at: http://www.stat.kg/rus/census2009.htm
- - Posted 2 March 2009
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Preliminary results of the 2008 Census of Population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea which was conducted on 1-15 October 2008 have been released Read more...
- - Posted 26 February 2009
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In the scope of preparations for the Census of Population, Households and Dwellings that is going to be conducted in 2011 in the Republic of Serbia, the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia organizes a Pilot Census in the period from the 1st until the 15th April in 2009 Read more...
- - Posted 19 February 2009
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The UK census is a collaborative effort between the three national statistical offices representing England and Wales (the Office for National Statistics), Scotland (the General Register Office, Scotland) and Northern Ireland (the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency), each of whom are planning their next census for 27 March 2011, and are actively working together towards the goal of providing fully harmonised statistics Read more...
- - Posted 19 January 2009
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France has just released the first official population figures for its administrative units resulting from its new mode of census Read more...
- - Posted 7 January 2009
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La France vient de publier les premières populations officielles de ses circonscriptions administratives issues de son nouveau mode de recensement Read more...
- - Posted 7 January 2009
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Preparations for the 2009 Belarus Population and Housing Census are under way Read more...
- - Posted 31 December 2008
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Perspective of the XIII Population and Housing Census 2010 in Mexico Read more...
- - Posted 30 December 2008
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Perspectiva del XIII Censo de Población y de Vivienda del año 2010 de México Read more...
- - Posted 30 December 2008
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The Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands is becoming depopulated Read more...
- - Posted 30 December 2008
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Le Territoire des îles Wallis et Futuna se dépeuple Read more...
- - Posted 30 December 2008
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The 2010 United States census was designed to make extensive use of automated field data collection activities, though not the Internet Read more...
- - Posted 30 December 2008
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The official population figure of Ethiopia obtained from the 2007 Population and Housing Census is now available Read more...
- - Posted 12 December 2008
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Malawi has released preliminary results from the June 2008 census Read more...
- - Posted 1 December 2008
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The Cayman Islands has unveiled the logo for the 2010 census Read more...
- - Posted 1 December 2008
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Now accessible from the UNSD website: a searchable database of questions used by countries in the 2000 round of population census to obtain information on:
- - Country of birth
- - Country of citizenship
- - Year or period of arrival
- - Posted 17 November 2008
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Statistics South Africa has developed an approach and implementation strategies as part of the planning process for the 2011 census of population and housing Read more...
- - Posted 13 November 2008
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Preliminary results of the 2008 Saint Helena Population and Housing Census are now available Read more...
- - Posted 30 October 2008
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The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) of Sri Lanka requested assistance from UNSD on Census mapping for the 2010 round, and on the development of a GIS. An advisory mission was held to assess the needs and give first recommendations Read more...
- - Posted 24 October 2008
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The Zambia Central Statistical Office is currently undertaking a mapping exercise covering the whole country in readiness for the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. This exercise started in November 2007 and is expected to end in December 2009 Read more...
- - Posted 24 October 2008
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The Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea 2008 Census was carried out 1-15 October Read more...
- - Posted 22 October 2008
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The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has released the final figures from the 2007 national census Read more...
- - Posted 20 October 2008
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The Directorate of Social Statistics and Census of Oman organized the Preparatory Meeting for Oman 2010 Census on 25 to 28 May 2008 . The objectives of the meeting were to review the past experiences and lessons learned from the previous censuses in the Sultanate of Oman and in other more statistically advanced countries; and to identify suitable new technologies to be applied for the 2010 Population and Housing Census in the Sultanate of Oman Read more...
- - Posted 13 October 2008
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The 2008 population census preliminary results show that the Cambodia population has increased by 1.95 million over the last 10 years from 11.4 in 1998 to 13.4 million in 2008 Read more...
- - Posted 13 October 2008
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The final version of the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), Revision 4 has been released and is available on the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) Classifications website at http://unstats.un.org/unsd/class. Additional information, such as correspondence tables, etc., will also be posted soon at the same website Read more...
- - Posted 13 August 2008
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Enumeration for the 2008 Malawi Population and Housing Census was officially launched on the 8 June and the closing date fixed for the 28th June Read more...
- - Posted 18 July 2008
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Algeria had 34.8 million residents on 16th of April 2008. These results are available on the National Office for Statistics of Algeria website at the following address: http://rgph2008.ons.dz/resultat/histo.htm
- - Posted 16 July 2008
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L'Algérie compte 34,8 millions de résidents au 16 avril 2008. Ces résultats sont disponibles sur notre site à l'adresse suivante: http://rgph2008.ons.dz/resultat/histo.htm
- - Posted 16 July 2008
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Tonga Statistics Department conducted their Population and Housing Census on the 30th of November 2006, and released the Preliminary Result in December 2006. The Department also released some Census products since December 2007 and recently the final result. All of these releases are available from the Tonga Statistics Department website at: http://www.spc.int/prism/country/to/stats/
- - Posted 14 July 2008
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Results of the El Salvador 2007 Census have been published Read more...
- - Posted 7 July 2008
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The preliminary results from the Mozambique 2007 General Population and Housing Census have been published Read more...
- - Posted 30 June 2008
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The preliminary population figure for the Liberia 2008 National Population and Housing Census is 3,489,072. The preliminary results of the 2008 census, which was conducted 21st -30th March 2008, were released on 20 June 2008 Read more...
- - Posted 26 June 2008
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Initial planning for the Cayman Islands’ next Population and Housing Census officially began yesterday (12 June) with the first meeting of the 2010 Census Advisory Committee (CAC) Read more...
- - Posted 19 June 2008
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32 020: that was the number of inhabitants of the 200 hectares of the Principality of Monaco according to the last census in 2000. This figure will soon be updated with the new census 2008, planned to be conducted from June 9 to July 31 Read more...
- - Posted 16 June 2008
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The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Statistics Division, together with other partners, organized the Regional Workshop on promoting disability data collection through the 2010 Population and Housing Censuses, Bangkok, 8-10 April 2008. For more information, see: http://www.unescap.org/stat/disability/census-ws/index.asp
- - Posted 16 June 2008
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The process for updating maps for the 3rd general population and housing census, which is expected to be undertaken in 2008, is currently taking place in Guinea-Bissau Read more...
- - Posted 13 June 2008
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The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) supports member countries in preparing for the 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses Read more...
- - Posted 13 June 2008
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The Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 2 is now available in print form. To obtain a print copy, please contact: United Nations Sales Section, DC2-0853, New York 10017, USA; Fax: 212-963-3489; Website: https://unp.un.org
- - Posted 19 May 2008
-
For the National Census 2007 of Peru, it was installed and continuous in operation the Consultative Commission of the National Census Read more...
- - Posted 13 May 2008
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Para los Censos Nacionales 2007 de Perú, se instaló y continua en funcionamiento la Comisión Consultiva de los Censos Nacionales Read more...
- - Posted 13 May 2008
-
Algeria is undertaking its 5th population and housing census after those conducted in 1966, 1977, 1987 and 1998 Read more...
- - Posted 7 May 2008
-
L'Algérie réalise son 5ème Recensement de la Population et de l'Habitat, après ceux réalisés en 1966, 1977, 1987 et 1998 Read more...
- - Posted 7 May 2008
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The United States typically conducts a "dress rehearsal" for its decennial census of population and housing, two years before the actual Census Read more...
- - Posted 21 April 2008
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The Saint Helena Population and Housing Census took place on 10 February 2008. With the enumeration completed, census questionnaires were delivered to the Development and Economic Planning Department and manual checking began
- - Posted 14 April 2008
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Malawi will conduct a census from 1-21 June 2008 Read more...
- - Posted 7 April 2008
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The United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized a Seminar on Recent Experiences in Population Census for the 2007 population and housing censuses in Ethiopia and Mozambique Read more...
- - Posted 10 March 2008
-
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) has organized 4 regional workshops on census mapping with use of GIS Read more...
- - Posted 8 February 2008
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The theme of the 3rd Africa Symposium on Statistical Development was "Best Practice & Exchanging Experience: Africa 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses" Read more...
- - Posted 8 February 2008
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The Central Statistical Office of Swaziland is proud to present the provisional 2007 Population and Housing Census results. Read more...
- - Posted 11 October 2007
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The Mozambique Third Population and Housing Census was conducted from 1st to 15th August 2007 Read more...
- - Posted 11 October 2007
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announced the first release of data from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing Read more...
- - Posted 10 October 2007
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The 3rd population and housing census of Ethiopia commenced on 28 May 2007 Read more...
- - Posted 9 October 2007
World Census Clock
as of 29 November 2017
Distribution of conducted and scheduled censuses over the period of the 2010 Census Round according to region (n.s. = not scheduled).
The United Nations Statistics Division issues standards and methods approved by the Statistical Commission to assist national statistical authorities and other producers of official statistics in planning and carrying out successful population and housing censuses.
For the 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme, the Statistical Commission at its 43rd session, requested that the United Nations Statistics Division proceed with its work on the revision and update of the Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses. The Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 3 was adopted by the Statistical Commission at its 46th session in 2015. The main objective of the Principles and Recommendations is to provide international principles and recommendations for use by national statistical offices and census officials in countries throughout the world in planning and organizing their censuses. For previous versions of the Principles and Recommendations, go to...
In addition, the United Nations Statistics Division has issued the following guidelines:
For the 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme, the Statistical Commission at its 43rd session, requested that the United Nations Statistics Division proceed with its work on the revision and update of the Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses. The Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Revision 3 was adopted by the Statistical Commission at its 46th session in 2015. The main objective of the Principles and Recommendations is to provide international principles and recommendations for use by national statistical offices and census officials in countries throughout the world in planning and organizing their censuses. For previous versions of the Principles and Recommendations, go to...
In addition, the United Nations Statistics Division has issued the following guidelines:
| Census Principles and Recommendations | Year | File | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Rev. 3 Arabic (, ) / Chinese (, ) / English (2017, 2.4 MB) / French (2020, 2.6 MB) / Russian (unofficial translation, 2.5 MB) / Spanish (, ) |
|||
| - | Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses, Rev. 2 Arabic (2009, 2.3 MB) / Chinese (2010, 2.8 MB) / English (2008, 2.5 MB) / French (2009, 2.5 MB) / Russian (2009, 2.7 MB) / Spanish (2010, 2.2 MB) |
|||
| --- | ||||
| Census Handbooks | Year | File | Size | |
| - | Handbook on the Management of Population and Housing Censuses, Rev. 2 Arabic (, ) / Chinese (, ) / English (2021, 5.5 MB) / French (2020, 8.4 MB) / Russian (2021, 5.3 MB) / Spanish (, ) |
|||
| - | Handbook on Registers-based Population and Housing Censuses | 2022 | 2.4 MB | |
| - | Handbook on Census Management for Population and Housing Censuses | 2001 | 1.8 MB | |
| - | Guidelines on the Use of Electronic Data Collection Technologies in Population and Housing Censuses Arabic (, ) / Chinese (, ) / English (2019, 3.6 MB) / French (, ) / Russian (2019, 3.3 MB) / Spanish (, ) |
|||
| - | Handbook on Population and Housing Census Editing, Rev. 2 (Final draft, unedited, not typeset) |
2020 | 2.2 MB | |
| - | Handbook on Measuring International Migration through Population Censuses Arabic (, ) / Chinese (, ) / English (2022, 1.4 MB) / French (, ) / Russian (2022, 1.1 MB) / Spanish (, ) |
|||
| - | Handbook on Population and Housing Census Editing, Rev. 1 Chinese (2010, 2.8 MB) / English (2010, 2 MB) / French (2010, 2.1 MB) / Russian (2011, 2.9 MB) |
|||
| - | Measuring the Economically Active in Population Censuses: A Handbook Chinese (8.1 MB) / English (10.1 MB) / French (6.6 MB) / Russian (9.1 MB) / Spanish (6.8 MB) |
2010 | ||
| - | Handbook on Geospatial Infrastructure in Support of Census Activities Arabic (2010, 9.7 MB) / Chinese (2010, 3.6 MB) / English (2009, 5 MB) / French (2010, 10 MB) / Russian (2010, 5.2 MB) / Spanish (2010, 9.3 MB) |
|||
| --- | ||||
| Census Technical Reports and Other Reference Material | Year | File | Size | |
| - | Technical Report on Measuring Sustainable Development Goals Indicators through Population and Housing Census and Civil Registration Data (Unedited, not typeset) | 2022 | 2.9 MB | |
| - | Post Enumeration Surveys, Operational guidelines | 2010 | 1.1 MB | |
| - | Census Data Capture Methodology | 2009 | 0.6 MB |
Country questionnaires, documents and census posters are located in "Census Documents" a searchable script.
FAQ
The importance of population censuses as a procedure to systematically acquire and record information about the members of a population has long been recognized. Since the end of the 19th century, all countries in the world have been encouraged to conduct censuses. Since the 1950s, the UN Statistics Division (UNSD), as the secretariat to the decennial World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses, has promoted population censuses worldwide under the authority of the UN Statistical Commission.
The UNSD has played a central role in supporting national census taking, especially for developing countries. Our office coordinates work on setting standards and methods, for instance, through publishing Principles and Recommendations for the Population and Housing Censuses (http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/docs/P&R_Rev2.pdf). We provide technical assistance to enhance national statistical capacity to undertake censuses through arranging thematic seminars and workshops or by providing advice. We also compile and disseminate census results from countries or areas on-line as well as in print.
The current 2010 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses, adopted in 2005 by the UN Statistical Commission, spans from 2005 to 2014. An overwhelming majority of countries or areas in the world have committed to conduct a census at least once during this period. However, five countries have not yet indicated when they would carry out a census. Still, this represents a significant improvement over the 2000 round, when 27 countries and areas did not conduct a census.
Since the beginning of the current census round in 2005, 155 countries and areas have already conducted a census (by 1 July). This year, 2011, is one of the peak years of the 2010 round, with 69 countries and areas conducting censuses, enumerating an estimated 2.3 billion people (33 % of the world population). It is expected that by the end of the round in 2014, almost 99 % of the world's total population will have been enumerated.
The data collected by census help a nation, region or community make major decisions for the future. Censuses are a comprehensive source of statistical information for economic and social development planning and for administrative purposes. For example, the results of a census are used to distribute and allocate government funds for education, health services and delineating electoral districts. Census data can also be used for academic research or business marketing.
Some MDG indicators, such as literacy rate and unemployment rate of youth, can be computed from census data, hence allowing governments to measure and monitor the progress made in a comparable manner. Also, note that the denominator for most MDG indicators is the total population figure, which can be produced by a population census.
The main innovations of the 2010 round of censuses are the use of new approaches to obtain data and modern technology. While most countries still conduct their census through field survey, an increasing number of countries are producing census data by using registers either alone of in combination with other data collection mechanisms. We also witness that many countries have adopted new technologies such as mobile devices, geospatial information systems and the Internet in phases of a census operation. According to a recent survey, more than 30 countries or areas are providing an option for Internet-based self-enumeration. New technologies contribute to improving the completeness, timeliness and quality of census results.
People have become more migratory and, in urban areas, a growing number of individuals live alone in a single household. Such changes in lifestyles sometimes make difficult for census enumerators to identify and reach out respondents. It is said that there has been a growing concern about privacy and confidentiality of the information collected. Changes in lifestyles, coupled with the growing cost for census, have led several Governments to look into other options for enumeration, such as the use of internet and registers.
Newsletters
The 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme Newsletter provides a synopsis of recent developments, events and census taking activities related to the 2020 census round. The Newsletter summarizes recent meetings and workshops on censuses and announces upcoming events. This Newsletter is published by the Demographic and Social Statistics Branch of the United Nations Statistics Division.
- No.14 - March 2013
- No.13 - November 2012
- No.12 - July 2012
- No.11 - March 2012
- No.10 - November 2011
- No.9 - July 2011
- No.8 - May 2011
- No.7 - November 2010
- No.6 - March 2010
- No.5 - May 2009
- No.4 - March 2009
- No.3 - December 2008
- No.2 - July 2008
- No.1 - March 2008
Contact the programme
Correspondence relating to 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme should be addressed to:
Director
United Nations Statistics Division
Attn: 2020 World Population and Housing Census Programme
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
United Nations
New York, NY 10017, USA
Fax: +1 (212) 963-1940
E-mail: censusprogramme@un.org.
Proportion of enumerated population in the world by census year - 2020 Round