1. Determining Topics and Tabulations
Session 5
United Nations Statistics Division
Demographic Statistics Section 1 1

2. Outline of Presentation
Resolution on 2010 census round
Objectives of census
Deciding on census content – issues to consider
Deciding on individual census topics – issues to consider
Determining tabulations to produce
National needs vs international comparability
Uses of the data tabulated by different census topics

3. Introduction
In 2005 the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted the resolution on the 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme
Resolution recognizes importance of the population and housing census to preparation of a core set of national data and information for socio-economic planning and governance
Resolution urges Member States to:
Carry out a population and housing census
Disseminate census results
Provide census results to national stakeholders, UN and other appropriate intergovernmental organizations

4. Introduction (contd.)
Objectives of a census are specific to individual countries and depend on demand for statistics in the country and on the content and structure of the national statistical system
The prime role of a census is usually to provide an accurate count of the total population for each of the administrative regions of a country
Population and housing censuses provide statistical information on the demographic, social and economic characteristics of the population and for small geographical areas and sub-populations
The key strength of a census is the ability to provide data for small geographic areas and for small population groups

5. Introduction (contd.) Issues to consider
The census should be considered as part of the larger National Statistical Programme
When data are not required at the small geographical level and/or for small geographical populations, other statistical methodologies more cost-effective than censuses should be adopted

6. On Topics and Tabulations
Census topics represent the subjects regarding which information is to be sought for each individual, household, living quarters, and buildings
Tabulations present aggregated statistical information on social, demographic and economic phenomena needed as a basis for programmes of economic and social development and for research purposes

7. Deciding on Census Content
Overall content of the census should be decided upon balanced consideration of:
National data needs at national and local levels
Availability of data from other statistical sources
National Statistical Programme of which census is a part
Needed level of detail of data in terms of small geographical/population group
Constraints of a census for data collection (only limited number of questions can be asked while sensitive and complex questions are more suitable for surveys)

8. Deciding on Census Content (contd.)
Overall content of the census should be decided upon balanced consideration of: (contd.)
Requirement to support legislation and government programs and policies
Ensuring historical comparison
Burden on respondents
Total national resources available to conduct the census
Regional and international comparability

9. Determination of Census Topics
Broadly speaking, selection of census topics is based on outputs expected to be produced by the census
Adequate user consultation is, therefore, critical
Each topic should meet some key user requirement criteria:
Topic carries strong and clearly defined user need
Topic is suitable for inclusion in census and there are no other means than census to collect data on topic
Data on topic required for small population groups and/or at detailed geographical levels
Topic doesn’t differ drastically from previous censuses or can provide comparison with previous censuses

10. Determination of Census Topics (contd.)
User requirement for data by itself not enough
Topic should not be included if:
It’s sensitive or potentially intrusive, or requires lengthy explanation to ensure an accurate answer
It imposes an excessive burden on respondents or seeks information not readily known or that respondents are unlikely to remember accurately
It inquires about opinions and attitudes
It presents major coding problems or extensive processing
It results in data that deliberately promote political or sectarian groups, or sponsor particular causes

11. Determination of Census Topics (contd.)
Historical continuation vs change in topics
Historical continuity offers opportunity for comparison of changes over time in socio-economic phenomena
However, avoid collecting information that is no longer required
Take into account emerging national social and economic issues
Take into account alternative data sources
Necessary, therefore, (in consultation with users) to review periodically topics traditionally investigated
Inclusion of new topics requires extensive testing to ensure successful collection and production of reliable results

12. Determination of Tabulations to Produce
Efforts should be made to publish principal results of the census as soon as possible after enumeration
Census is not complete until information collected has been made available to users in a form, and to a timetable, suited to their needs (tabulations are one of many products of a census)
Advancements in modern technology have made production of tabulation much easier and at a relatively small fraction of overall census cost than before
Although many data users prefer to obtain census products in electronic media, others still prefer print media in the form of tabulations

13. National needs vs International Comparability
National and international objectives are usually compatible
International guidelines enable countries to compare their results with those of other countries
UN guidelines are based on broad studies of country experience and practice that have successfully met general national needs in a wide range of circumstances
UN recommended tabulations are basic and only a guide
National tabulation programme should be developed taking into account national data needs and resource available

14. Determination of Tabulations – General Considerations
Careful consideration of variables for inclusion
Content of table responds to the needs of the data users
Consultation with users
Plans for tabulations should be prepared at same time as content of questionnaire
Linking questions to use for the data

15. Data Collected on Geographical and internal migration characteristics
International migration characteristics
Household and family characteristics
Demographic and social characteristics
Fertility and mortality
Educational characteristics
Economic characteristics
Disability characteristics
Housing characteristics

16. Uses of Tabulations of the Data by Topic
What follows are examples of uses of the data tabulated by different census topics

17. Geographical and Internal Migration Characteristics
Data showing minor and major geographical and administrative divisions necessary for:
Determining apportionment of legislative representation
Administrative purposes
Planning the location of economic and social facilities
Data on internal migration are needed for:
Preparation of population estimates (together with data on fertility and mortality) for planning purposes
Determining policies on migration
Assessing effectiveness of migration policies

18. International Migration
Data useful for assessment of:
Movement of persons across national boundaries
Impact of migration
Adaptation

19. Demographic and Social Characteristics
Age and sex
Age/sex population distribution/structure of population
Gender analyses
Marital status
Age at first marriage
Proportions never married, married, divorced, widowed

20. Demographic and Social Characteristics
Religion
Language
Ethnicity
Indigenous peoples
Religion, language, ethnicity and indigenous peoples important for analyses of cultural diversity in the country

21. Household Characteristics
Distribution of individuals within households used to determine the living arrangements of families and patterns of family structure
Data on number, size and structure of households useful for planning and for development of policies (children, elderly, disabled persons)
Relationship between household members useful for:
Determining family structure
Composition of households (relatives, non-relatives)

22. Fertility and Mortality
Data used for estimates of:
Current fertility (total fertility rate, age-specific fertility rates)
Life time fertility (children ever-born alive)
Infant and childhood mortality
Levels and patterns of adult mortality
Maternal orphanhood

23. Educational Characteristics
Data used to monitor:
Quality of life
Access to education
National capacity for economic and social development
Educational opportunities by gender, age cohorts, rural/urban residence

24. Economic Characteristics
Provides data on:
Employment, unemployment, underemployment
Composition and distribution of economically active population – occupation, industry, functional status,etc.
Agricultural/non-agricultural activities
Participation in the informal sector
Issues of support and dependence

25. Disability Characteristics
Data as a basis for:
Monitoring the social, economic and living conditions of persons with disabilities
Development and evaluating effectiveness of policies aimed at needs of persons with disabilities

26. Housing Characteristics
Housing stock
Quality of housing
Land use
Housing needs
Living conditions

27. Thank you