The Census questionnaire comprises 61 questions in 13 Sections. There is a purpose for each section and together all sections will give a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions as well as a demographic profile of the country.
Section 1—Characteristics
These questions are the backbone of the Population and Housing Census. They provide the basic demographic characteristics of the population, showing changes since the last Census.
Section 2—Migration
Data from this section is needed to evaluate the internal migration patterns in the country, whether there is rural to urban movement or vice versa. It can show settlement patterns and population density in those areas.
Section 3—Disability
Information on disability gives the proportion of the population who are disabled by type of disability. This data will inform the formulation of policies & programmes to assist the disabled.
Section 4—Health
This indicates the percentage of the population suffering from various illnesses. This information can assist in the provision of necessary health care facilities.
Section 5—Education
Census data on educational levels and attainment are essential for formulating policies & measuring the success of many developmental programmes. Census data on education by area can assist in estimating the demand for schools.
Section 6—Economic Activity
A main objective is to measure the labour force, the employed, the unemployed and the economically inactive. The unemployment rate is widely used as an indicator of current economic performance of a country.
Sections 7 & 8—Marital Status & Fertility
Tabulations on marital and union status cross classified by age, sex and other demographic characteristics are rich information for social and demographic research. Marital and union statuses also have implications for fertility patterns. In estimating or projecting the size of the population, fertility patterns are crucial inputs in arriving at reliable estimates.
Section 9—Census Night
The question on Census Night places each Person, in a geographic place at a specific point in time - midnight on the 9th January 2011.
Section 10—Individual Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The Census is the best source of statistics on the use of ICT and it will be the best indicator to assess where we are in this information age. Information on the use of ICT can be cross classified by age, sex, area and other variables for meaningful analysis.
Section 11—Housing
Information on the housing stock can assist in estimating incidences of overcrowding. The amenities reported will facilitate analyses on the quality of the stock e.g. source of water supply, adequate sewerage disposal, lighting etc.
Section 12—Environment
Today, preservation of the environment is a main issue for policy makers. The Census can inform planners on the environmental problems that affect households. When these data are tabulated by area, problems affecting households can be dealt with more effectively.
Section 13—International Migration
It is difficult to source data on international migration, and during the intercensal years - the years between decennial Censuses - the population must be estimated. The Census asks how many persons have left the country to live abroad since the last Census in 2000 and still live abroad. A brief profile of the migrants is also required to inform policy makers on who are the emigrants, in terms of age, sex, education and occupation.
View the Census 2011 questionnaire here.