Importance of Population Census

Using Census Information in Planning
In a number of countries, the population census plays a major role in the allocation of elected political seats in government. The number of elected officials for each governmental administrative unit is determined by the population size of a given locale. For some countries, the information is also used in the allocation of government resources. The size of the population determines, in part, the amount of money that is provided by government for development efforts.
For planners, census information is used in just about all planning decisions. The census of population provides information on the age and sex distribution, in addition to household composition and size, all of which are vital in determining the needs of different segments of the population. The census of housing allows planners to assess changes in the quality of housing and related facilities and plan for future housing needs. Table 4-1 provides possible planning-related uses for population and housing data. ssss | Table 4-1: Possible Uses of Census Information | | | Census Information | Potential Uses | | | Total Population Size | When two or more census counts are compared for the same location, planners can determine if locales are increasing or decreasing in size. | | | Age and Sex | Used to help identify segments of the population that require different types of services. | | | Sex | Sex ratios can be calculated by 5-year age groups to crudely observe migration, especially among the working age cohorts. | | | Marital Status | Used to provide insights into family formation and housing needs. | | | Household Composition and Size | Used to help determine housing needs for related and unrelated households. | | | Educational Attainment and Literacy | Used to provide information on the educational skills of the work force. These measures also help planners select the best strategies to communicate with residents. | | | Location of Residence and Place of Prior Residence | Helps assess changes in rural and urban areas. Place of prior residence helps to identify communities that are experiencing in- or out-migration. | | | Occupation and Labor Force Participation | Helps to provide insights into the labor force of a given locale. The information can be used to develop economic development strategies. | | | Living Quarter Characteristics | Can help planners determine housing and community facility needs. | | | The following are examples of possible users and uses: A. Government ministries - the census data are available to decision-makers as a basis for setting policies in various fields: education, health, welfare, dealing with various levels in the population, housing and development, transportation and other services.

Examples: Planning and provision of services in the educational system according to the needs of the population and the age of the children. Planning of public transportation and transportation infrastructure, according to the projected amount of traffic in the area. Planning a system of assistance to the needy. Development of infrastructure according to the needs of the population. Channeling of budgets to local authorities. B. Local authorities - the census data are available to decision-makers in local authorities as a basis for setting local policies in each locality, according to the needs of its population. The data assist in learning about the characteristics of neighbourhoods and populations in the localities.

Examples: Examining the need for establishing early childhood services and public gardens in areas where there is a high percentage of children of this age. Using the data in determining municipal tax areas adapted to the characteristics of the population. C. Bodies of research - conducting research based on census data. Population censuses are an important resource for research on trends in the composition of a population and its distribution, as well as a source of analysis and assessment of the changes occurring in the population, and construction of a forecast regarding the directions of its development.

Examples of research: Means of transportation to work and socio-economic status in Israel. Miration from development towns (from the periphery to the center or from one locality in the periphery to another). Changes in education and fertility patterns of Moslem women in Israel. D. Private and public companies - conducting research for purposes of acquiring commercial information to serve as a basis for market research, assessment of the demand for products and services, and assessment of the supply of personnel.

Examples: Identifying concentrations of old structures, by companies dealing in structure restoration. Allocation of the maximum support by the State Lottery to various localities; which is determined, among other things, based on indices developed from census data. E. Journalists - acquisition of information from the census data, on subjects which serve for conducting research and as backgrounds for articles.

Examples: Acquisition of information on socio-economic characteristics of localities, for an article on the state of education in them. Acquisition of information on the average wage in various localities and comparing it with the level of development in them. F. Students and pupils - writing seminar papers and research projects for graduate degrees, based on data from the population and housing census; writing papers for school.

Examples: Use of data on areas in which there is a high concentration of families blessed with many children, for research projects in sociology. G. The general public - use of data in a wide variety of many fields, relevant to each individual

Examples: Use of information on a residential area, in order to decide on a change of residence. Acquiring information on the subject of employment and wages by occupation, which may direct youngsters in their decision to chose a field of study. Identification of locations suitable for opening a business, by the self-employed.s |