Population and housing census aims mainly at collecting and disseminating basic statistics including age, sex and relationship to head of household and other characteristics such as education and occupation at a specified period of time. Following are some uses of the census data.
1) Development planning purposes:
The census provides essential data pertaining to demographic, social and economic characteristics of the population and housing which can be used for planning at all levels.
2) Estimation of levels and variations in population and housing characteristics:
The census data identifies summary levels and standards as well as changes in the demographic and dwellings characteristics, the availability of basic necessities, neglected areas, and other National priorities.
3) Estimating sources of labor force:
The census is considered to be the main source of information related to the size of labor force and its characteristics, as well as other aspects related to the education and training, both present and expected levels, and national policies needed in this field.
4) Identifying the role of women and their economic and social standing:
Recent decades witnessed an increasing attention to the role of women in society. This matter has become a central issue. Governments all over the world are interested in collecting statistics on women for designing programs and identifying policies needed for improving and up grading their role, as well as their social and economic standing in the society.
5) Learning about special population groups:
There is an increasing concern in regard to specific population groups e.g. children, youth, elderly persons, disabled… etc. Indicators about these groups help in designing programs and policies which serve their interests.
6) Use for research purposes:
Population and housing census data provide a rich source of information for carrying out demographic, social and economic surveys.
7) Use for economic purposes:
Economic decision-making relies on scientific facts and the Census provides facts and actual data.
8) Census data will identify a comprehensive frame for all active:
establishments, and a base for an economic census/surveys which will follow the census e.g. annual economic surveys associated with the national accounts estimates.