The key objective of every census is to count every person (man, woman, child) resident in the country on census night, and also collect information on assorted demographic (sex, age, marital status, citizenship) and socio-economic (education/qualifications; labour force and economic activity) information, as well as data pertinent to household and housing characteristics. This count provides a complete picture of the population make-up in each village and town, of each island and region, thus allowing for an assessment of demographic change over time.
The need for a national census became obvious to the Census Office (Bureau of Statistics) during 1997 when a memo was submitted to government officials proposing the need for a national census in an attempt to update old socio-economic figures. The then Acting Director of the Bureau of Statistics and his predecessor shared a similar view: that the 'heydays' and 'prosperity' were nearing their end. This may not have been apparent, as it took until almost mid-2001 for the current Acting Government Statistician to receive instructions to prepare planning for a national census targeted for 2002. It has been repeatedly said that for adequate planning at the national level, information about the characteristics of the society is required. With such information, potential impacts can be forecast and policies can be designed for the improvement and benefit of society. Without it, the people, national planners and leaders will inevitably face uncertainties.
Version 01: Cleaned, labelled and de-identified version of the Master file.
- HOUSEHOLD: Basic household characteristics of the private dwellings, including tenure, sanitation, water and electricity, household wealth and household activities.
-
INDIVIDUAL: Basic demographic characteristics of individuals in a particular household dwelling, including age, sex, ethnicity, religion, internal migration, educational attainment, economic activity and fertility.
-
Collection start: 2002
- Collection end: 2002
