Importance and Objectives of Census
The importance of the census lies in its being an integrated picture of society in a given time within numerous, multiple and continuous changes, which cannot be defined through other data collecting methods. The census provides a suitable database for comparisons and projections of demographic data as well as social and economic characteristics of society.
A comprehensive census is different from other statistical methods in the following ways:
- It provides comprehensive and detailed data on the whole population in addition to demographic, social and economic characteristics by the lowest administrative or geographical level and related rates and indicators (population growth rates, age and gender composition, educational features, Qatari and non-Qatari workforce).
- It provides necessary data enabling the assessment of the population status in Qatar during the inter-census period as well as monitoring demographic, social and economic changes taking place during the same period in various administrative divisions.
- It provides data on expatriates' number, distribution and characteristics in Qatar, especially the immigrant workforce, with a high degree of precision, instead of dependence on estimates.
- It provides a database on which are built population projections and workforce projections.
- It provides a database needed to study specific social phenomena.
- To provide basic data for all sectors in the country (education, health, population, etc.) with a view to contributing to the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of plans related to the provision of services needed by the Qatari society.
- To provide necessary frameworks for deriving samples for field research to be undertaken in the future.
- To provide data on housing units as well as their facilities and features related to living conditions, basic data needed to work out a clearly-defined housing policy aimed at ensuring prosperity for citizens, as well as indicators on houses conditions and extent of their relationship with public services.
- To provide a comprehensive and modern framework for buildings, houses and households by various administrative divisions. Such framework is necessary to design and use samples for conducting various household surveys. This will be positively reflected on the accurate measurement of the various phenomena to be investigated such as fertility, mortality and migration, which are used as the basis for calculating population growth rates and estimates of the post-census population.
- To provide an accurate picture of the status and features of houses for the purpose of assisting in drawing up housing and construction plan for the future.
- To provide data on the features of buildings of the public sector and private sector and status of their occupation so as to define various needs in the future.
- To define the conditions of economic and social enterprises in the public and private sectors in terms of the legal status, economic activity and workforce size by gender and nationality.