More information is available from the part  [Some Questions and Answers].
 

1.

Introduction to Population Census

  1.1 What is a Population Census?
  1.2 Objectives and Importance of the Census
  1.3  Main Applications of Census Data
  1.4 Population Data System and Population Census
  1.5 Census Period
  1.6 Notification about the Census

2.

Design of Population Census

  2.1. Census Legislation
  2.2 Basic Concepts of the Census
  2.3 Census Moment
  2.4 Unit of Enumeration
  2.5 Basic Design
  2.6 Data Collection Method
  2.7 Questionnaire Contents
  2.8. Confidentiality of Data on Individual Households and Persons

3.

Enumeration Procedures

3.1 Enumeration Procedures for the Short Form
3.2 Enumeration Procedures for the Long Form
    

 

1.1 What is a Population Census?

  

A population census is a survey of the whole population conducted on a scientific basis. It aims at collecting data on the population of a place in such aspects as size, age and sex composition, geographical distribution, and socio-economic characteristics. Basic data on households, such as household size, tenure of accommodation and rent, are also collected in a population census. A population census differs from a general sample survey in that it covers the whole population. Its sizable scale enables it to provide statistics of high precision, even for population sub-groups and small geographical areas. Besides, census data cover a broad range of population characteristics and are thus valuable for conducting population researches.

1.2 Objectives and Importance of the Census


People are the foundation of society and also the basis for economic development. Population data are therefore crucial to the social and economic development of society. Many countries in the world have been conducting population censuses every ten years to collect population data. The United Nations also recommends this practice. 

It is established practice for Hong Kong to conduct a population census once every ten years to obtain up-to-date benchmark information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population. Population censuses were conducted in 1961, 1971, 1981 and 1991. Following this practice, the next census will be conducted in 2001. 

In order that more up-to-date information on the population could be made available, a population by-census is also conducted between two population censuses. Thus, in 1966, 1976, 1986 and 1996, population by-censuses were conducted. A by-census differs from a census in not having a complete headcount of the population but enquiring on the detailed characteristics of the population on the basis of a large sample. The size and characteristics of the entire population are inferred from the sample results in accordance with appropriate statistical theory. As a result, the statistics obtained from a by-census may be slightly less precise than those from a census. Other than the above, the contents and features of a census and a by-census are quite similar. 

Hong Kong is a dynamic city. The composition, distribution and other characteristics of the population are changing rapidly along with the social and economic developments. The Government therefore needs up-to-date population data to understand the present situation and plan for the future.


 

1.3 Main Applications of Census Data


Population census/by-census is the primary source of data for small geographical areas and population sub-groups. These data could not be obtained through household surveys of a smaller scale. The information collected in a population census is vital to government planning and policy formulation, particularly in such fields as education, housing, transport, medical and social services. The data are also important to the private sector for formulating business strategies and to researchers for conducting social and economic studies. 

The population census will meet the needs of policy bureaux and government departments for up-to-date population data including, in particular: 

  • benchmark data for studying the direction and trend of population changes. The data are key inputs for making projections concerning population, household, labour force and employment;
  • population data on small areas for projection of population distribution by small geographical areas. The data are the basis for government development programmes at district levels; and
  • comprehensive data on small population sub-groups, such as the elderly living alone and single parent families. The data are used by Government in planning welfare policies and service programmes.
Census data are useful to the private sector in appraising market conditions and planning investment. For example, they are important for estimating customer demand, which depends, among other factors, on the size, composition and geographical distribution of the population. Census data are also widely used by researchers in conducting social and economic researches.

 

1.4 Population Data System and Population Census


Apart from population censuses and by-censuses, sample surveys of smaller scale and statistical data compiled based on information from administrative systems are also the basis data for compiling various types of population figures. While data from different sources may serve different purposes, in combination they form a comprehensive system of population data. 

Broadly speaking, population census/by-census data are benchmarking population data, while also serving as the prime sources of data for small areas and population sub-groups. These benchmark data are taken together with statistical data from administrative systems (such as birth, death and passenger movement records) and sample surveys (in particular the continuous General Household Survey) to provide a population statistical database which serves a multitude of purposes.

1.5 Census Period


The 2001 Population Census will be conducted during the 13 days from 15 to 27 March 2001.

1.6 Notification about the Census 


Census and Statistics Department will send letters to all households in early March 2001 to inform them of the Census and the names of the census officers who will visit them. This will facilitate the households in verification of the identity of the census officers.		  

2.1 Census Legislation


The Census and Statistics (2001 Population Census) Order has been made under section 9 of the Census and Statistics Ordinance to enable the conduct of the 2001 Population Census from 15 to 27 March 2001. Under the Order, specified persons are legally obliged to provide the required information. 

2.2 Basic Concepts of the Census


The date, time, place and method of enumeration must be fixed before conducting a population census. These are established with reference to the concepts and methods commonly adopted worldwide with suitable adaptation to the situation in Hong Kong.

2.3 Census Moment


During the 13-day fieldwork period of the 2001 Population Census, factors such as births, deaths, arrivals and departures may lead to changes in the population size. Hence, there must be a standard time-point for enumerating the population and this time-point is called "census moment". The census moment for the 2001 Population Census will be 3 a.m. on 14 March 2001.

2.4 Unit of Enumeration


Quarters will be taken as the basic enumeration unit. During the enumeration, information is recorded on a household basis, while individual persons are the ultimate targets of enumeration. Each unit of quarters may have more than one household and each household may have more than one member. The census officers are required to identify all households within a unit of quarters and record particulars of every member in each household. Quarters in non-domestic buildings will also be enumerated since some persons may be living in these units (such as watchmen in industrial or commercial buildings). 

2.5 Basic Design


Two types of questionnaires will be used in the 2001 Population Census. Short form will be used to enumerate about six-sevenths of households on basic characteristics (e.g. age and sex). Long form will be used to enumerate the remaining one-seventh households on a broad range of socio-economic characteristics of household members. A scientific sampling scheme will be used to select households for enumeration by either long form or short form. 

Statistics on the size and characteristics of the population can be compiled by combining data of the short forms and long forms through the use of statistical methods. 

The conduct of a population census requires a comprehensive list of quarters in Hong Kong. The Census and Statistics Department has maintained a frame of quarters for conducting population censuses and household surveys. It is divided into two parts, namely, the Register of Quarters and the Register of Segments. 

The Register of Quarters is a list of addresses of permanent quarters in built-up areas including urban areas, new towns and major developments in the New Territories. Each unit of quarters is identified by a unique address with details on the house number, street name, building name, floor number and flat number. 

The Register of Segments is a list of area segments in non-built-up areas. Each area segment contains about ten quarters and is delineated by some physical or easily identifiable boundaries such as stream, footpath, lane and ditch. The use of the method of area segments for non-built-up areas is necessary because the quarters in these areas may not have clear addresses and cannot be easily identified. 

In addition to the frame of quarters, other supplementary lists have also been drawn up for enumeration of some special groups of persons, such as the marine population in the 2001 Population Census.

2.6 Data Collection Method


Two enumeration methods will be adopted in the 2001 Population Census. The "self enumeration approach" will be adopted in the simple enumeration using a short form. The short forms will be mailed to the householders a few days before the Census period for them to complete. Enumerators will visit the households during the Census period and collect the completed short forms after a quick check. If a household encounters difficulties in completing the short form, the enumerators will conduct the enumeration when visiting the household. 

For detailed enumeration using the long form, the "interviewer method" will be used. Enumerators will visit the households and direct questions to individual persons in the households to complete the questionnaires. 

The 2001 Population Census will also cover the marine population, who will be similarly enumerated using long form and short form. However, because of postal problem, the short forms will not be mailed to the households in advance.


 

2.7 Questionnaire Contents


Regarding data required in the short forms, they are usually self-completed by the households. They include: 

    Household questions:

  • This set of question aims at enumerating the number of persons in the household.
    Personal questions:
  • Relationship to head of household
  • Sex
  • Year and month of birth
  • Whereabouts at the census moment
  • Total amount of time spent in Hong Kong in the past six months
  • Total amount of time to be spent in Hong Kong in the coming six months
  • Usual accommodation in Hong Kong at present
In addition to the part self-administered by the household, some information will be filled in by the census officer, such as: 
  • Type of quarters
  • Present status of quarters
  • Occupancy of quarters
  • Number of households in the quarters
  • Type of household
The long form includes the following data items in addition to all of those in the short form: 

    Information on household and quarters:

  • Household income
  • Number of living/dining rooms
  • Number of bedrooms
  • Number of kitchens
  • Number of bathrooms/toilets
  • Number of other rooms
  • Tenure of accommodation
  • Rent
  • Rates, Government rent and management fee
  • Outstanding mortgage or loan period
  • Mortgage payment or loan repayment
    Information on household members:

    Demographic and social characteristics: 

  • Marital status
  • Nationality
  • Ethnicity
  • Usual language
  • Ability to speak other languages/ dialects
    Educational characteristics: 
  • School attendance
  • Educational attainment
    • highest level attended
    • highest level completed
  • Place of study
  • Mode of transport to place of study
  • Field of education
    Geographical and internal migration characteristics: 
  • Place of birth
  • Duration of residence in Hong Kong
  • Place of residence 5 years ago
    •     Economic characteristics: 
    • Economic activity status
    • Industry
    • Occupation
    • Place of work
    • Mode of transport to place of work
    • Earnings from main employment
    • Earnings from secondary employment
    • Other cash income

    2.8 Confidentiality of Data on Individual Households and Persons


    Census and Statistics Department will implement strict measures to ensure confidentiality of census data. Under the Census and Statistics Ordinance, it is an offence for census officers to disclose data pertaining to individual persons or individual households to unauthorized persons. The following measures will be taken to ensure data confidentiality: 
    • clear procedures on how to ensure data confidentiality during fieldwork have been drawn up. All field workers are required to follow these procedures strictly;
    • all field workers will be trained intensively on data confidentiality issues, enabling them to understand clearly their legal obligation and details of the related procedures;
    • all completed questionnaires will be processed and stored in a special area for processing census data only. Questionnaires have to be placed in fastened satchels during all stages of processing. Detailed records of document movements will also be maintained;
    • all questionnaires will be destroyed within one year after the fieldwork;
    • the reference link between the address of quarters and the corresponding record will be removed after all data have been input for further processing; and
    • all published statistical tables will be scrutinized to ensure that no information pertaining to individual persons or individual households is revealed directly or is disclosed indirectly through deduction.

     

    3.1 Enumeration Procedures for the Short Form


    Situation A
    The household has self-completed the questionnaire.  The census officer only has to collect the questionnaire and do a quick check for omission.

    Situation B
    The household has completed only part of the questionnaire. The census officer has to conduct interview to collect the missing information.

    Situation C
    The household has lost the questionnaire or has not completed it. The census officer has to conduct interview to collect the required information.
     


     

    3.2 Enumeration Procedures for the Long Form


    The census officer has to conduct interview to collect the required information.

     
    More information is available from the part  [Some Questions and Answers].

    This page was last updated on 26 February 2001.