Population and Housing census - National Portal of Statistics

Home

History

FAQs

What is a census?

A census is a kind of enumeration in which the information relating to all or some of population in a country is collected through face-to- face interview or any other suitable methods. If the enumeration covers all persons of the community, it is called a census.

When was the first modern census implemented in Iran?

The first population and housing census was taken in 1956 in which modern methods and definitions were used. Since then, the census has been conducted once every 10 years. Prior to 1956, many efforts were made for enumeration, but were not successful.

Why is the population and housing census conducted once every ten years?

A population and housing census is a national extensive and expensive exercise. However, since undertaking the census involves extensive financial and human resources, this activity cannot be carried out many times and in short periods of time. On the other hand, the interval between two censuses should not be so long that important changes in the size and composition of the population are not considered. In this connection, in some countries the census is undertaken once in a decade or every five years. In Iran, by the SCI Act, the census is taken once every 10 years.

Why is usually the month of October marked as the beginning date of the enumeration?

According to the recommendations of the UN, the followings should be taken into consideration in determining the census time: 1.The most suitable period of time when the census can be implemented simultaneously across the country, should be determined. In this connection, weather and seasonal conditions are important factors because terribly hot or cold weather influences the field operation, enumerators’ work and the monitoring process as well. Therefore, in countries with different weather varieties, a time period which is the most suitable to majority of zones should be selected. 2.Basically, population movement is treated as one of the main sources of census errors. Thus, if the population movements occur in specific periods of the year, it would be better to carry out the enumeration when the majority of the population is present at their usual place of residence. 3.The implementation of the enumeration during holidays, national feasts, date of pilgrimages and fasting periods should be avoided. Regarding the above issues and weather conditions in summer and winter as well as due to falling of holidays, feasts and population movements in summer and spring, those seasons are not suitable periods for implementing the census, as many people are absent from their usual place of residence. However, autumn and the month of November, in particular, which is the end of summer holidays and population is present in their residence, shall be treated as the favorable time for the census-taking. Additionally, in Iran, the autumn immigration of nomads will end up to November and major proportion of immigrants will reside in their dwellings.

What are the main focuses on a census questionnaire?

Answer to Q 7. The information to be compiled in the 2006 Population and Housing Census Questionnaire shall be drawn up in three main categories as follows: 1. Population 2. Housing 3. Village characteristics In population category, following items are reviewed: Number of population, type of household, composition of household and population characteristics including age, sex, citizenship, disability and handicap, immigration, literacy status and level of education, status of economic activity status in employment, marital status and data on female fertility. Topics such as type of housing unit, type of tenure, number of rooms owned by the household, the year of construction completion, type of skeleton, major construction materials of housing unit, facilities available in housing units, type of household consumption fuel and water supply source are asked in housing part. In the part relating to village, village specifications such as location, type of road and educational, health, political, communicative, religious and service facilities are taken into account.

How would you ensure that the questionnaire is appropriate and correct?

Usually, one year before the beginning of the census, all census operations are tested in some selected areas. Testing the census is of various objectives, the most important of which is the test of efficiency of the format and content of the census questionnaire and related definitions. In this test, the content of the questions and the possibility of answering them, the accuracy and efficiency of the questionnaire composition, and its format and design shall be taken into consideration. Consequently, order, content, sequence and design type of the questions may change or even some of them that are unsuitable will be possibly deleted.

Is the same questionnaire used for rural, urban and tribal areas in the national population and housing census?

.In order to register population characteristics, the private household questionnaire form is used for all urban and rural areas and unsettled population. It is obvious that the housing data are collected only for settled households. It should be noted that the institutional household form (individuals residing in institutions such as home for the aged, etc.) is applied in the urban and rural areas, if required. The village form is also just for rural areas.

What are uses of statistics and information obtained from the national population and housing census?

. A census provides us with a valuable range of information regarding size and number of population, age and sex structure, immigration, activity and employment or other demographical, social and economic characteristics thereof as well as number and characteristics of housings used by the population and geographical distribution of population and housing which is of great uses in social and economic plannings, current decision-makings and applied studies. Preparation of a data collection and indices obtained from the population and housing census as well as a review of changes trend in population, housing and their characteristics make the measurement of the population growth rate and spatial distribution of the data for the smallest units of administrative divisions, even for the occupied areas ( city/ village) possible. The information is applied in social, demographic and economic plans, family planning and urban development. In addition to what were mentioned earlier, a population and housing census provides frames required for sample surveys in demographic and housing fields as well.

How is the population information collected in intercensual periods?

The information is obtained from administrative records (vital records) and sample surveys. The data relating to births, deaths, marriage and divorce are produced annually and regularly and have suitable coverage in some cases. Sample designs are also implemented occasionally if required. In this regard, we can refer to the Population Growth Rate Measurement Survey, the latest of which was carried out during the years 1998 and 1999 in order to measure the natural population growth. Furthermore, some of population characteristics, and its total number by the geographical areas, in particular, will be estimated for specific aims by using demographic and statistical methods.

How can you access results of the National Population and Housing Census?

Some countries have achieved the results similar to those of census by sample surveys, however, it still is not recommended to the I.R of Iran.On the other hand, at present due to the incomplete coverage and discrepancies between the definitions employed in the administrative records with those of censuses, it is impossible to substitute census for the registers.

1 / 2