Census, a source of population data

Census is the main source of population data. The census is the enumeration of people, house, firm, offices and other important institutions in a country.

It is taken in frequent intervals that may be every 10 years (in many countries), every 5 years or at irregular years. UN (1970) has defined census as- A population census may be defined as the total process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analyzing and publishing demographic, economic and social data pertaining at a specified time to all persons in a country or well specified territory.

Method of census

Census is carried out in two major ways:-

1. De facto method      2. De jure method

i.            De facto method     

In this method of census, a person is enumerated in the place where s/he is at the time of collecting. Usually a dated is fixed by the government as a “census day” and people are pre-informed about it. As all people are found in their home at night census is done at night. So, it is also called as “one night enumeration”. It is practiced usually in the developed and urban region.

ii.            De jure method

The census method that is conducted on the basis of permanent place of residence is called de jure method. This method of census is more practical and scientific. Usually a period of 2 to 3 weeks is kept for the enumeration. It is common in rural and less developed regions.