2026 Population Census

Objectives

The aim of conducting population censuses/by-censuses is to obtain up-to-date benchmark information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population of Hong Kong and on its geographical distribution. Such information is useful for studying the direction and trend of population changes, and is vital to the Government for planning and policy formulation, and the private sector and academia for business and research purposes.

The sizable scale of population censuses/by-censuses, as compared to other general sample household surveys, can provide statistics of high precision even for population sub-groups and small geographical areas.

Re-engineered Design

Previous population censuses comprised a simple enumeration of the majority of the population (about nine-tenths was selected since the 2011 Population Census) using a "short form" questionnaire and a detailed enquiry of the remaining population using a "long form" questionnaire; while by-censuses only used a “long form" questionnaire for a fraction of the population (about one-tenth was selected since the 2006 Population By-census).

In 2023, the C&SD conducted a Business Process Re-engineering Study to streamline and improve the workflows of population censuses. As a major step to modernise population censuses, and to reduce respondent burden, operational risks and costs, the census operation will undergo the following changes from 2026 onwards:

extending the data collection period from 1.5 months to one year;
using government administrative data more extensively to supplement survey data; and
adopting a sampling scheme same as previous by-censuses through selecting around one-tenth of all quarters in Hong Kong for detailed enquiry using a “long form” questionnaire every 5 years, abolishing the need to conduct “short form” enumeration for nine-tenths of the population every 10 years.

Consultation and Legislation

Consultation on Data Topics

Extensive consultations were conducted during July 2023 and 2024 to collect views from various data users, including advisory and statutory bodies, selected organisations (including non-governmental organisations and trade and industrial organisations), relevant faculties/departments in academic institutions, and government bureaux and departments on the data topics of the 2026 Population Census.

Consultation on the Plan for the 2026 Population Census

The data collection approach and data topics of the 2026 Population Census were discussed at the meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Financial Affairs on 4 December 2023. The information technology systems and services of the 2026 Population Census were also discussed at the meeting of the Finance Committee on 19 January 2024.

Consultation on Definition, Questioning Approach and Classification of Selected Data Topics

Experts in the respective areas (including advisory and statutory bodies, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and government bureaux and departments) were consulted on the definition, questioning approach and classification of selected data topics such as persons aged 15 and above requiring long term care and place of origin since May 2024.

Gazette of the Census and Statistics (2026 Population Census) Order

The Census and Statistics (2026 Population Census) Order made by the Chief Executive in Council under section 9 of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Cap. 316) was published in the Gazette of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 14 February 2025. The Order provides statutory backing for the conduct of the 2026 Population Census in Hong Kong.

Major Events

Logo, Slogans and Mascots

Logo

The 2026 Population Census logo features a ring shape that symbolises a continuous, year-round nature of the new mode of census operation. The upward orientation of the ring conveys the idea of progress and forward momentum, highlighting the Population Census’s contributions to societal betterment. By including people of all ages, the logo reflects the diversity of data captured, underscoring the Census’s commitment to understanding and serving the community as a whole.

Slogans

2026 Census: New Approach for Better Planning and Development

The first slogan emphasises the re-engineered design of the 2026 Population Census, which adopts a new approach to the collection of data that can be turned into useful statistics for serving a wide range of purposes, notably facilitating the planning and development of Hong Kong’s future.

Online Census: Simple, Convenient and Secure

The second slogan aims to encourage households to participate in the 2026 Population Census by completing online questionnaires using desktop computers or mobile devices (including tablets and smartphones), which is a simple, convenient and secure means to provide data.

Verify Census Officers’ Identity Before Survey

The third slogan focuses on the importance of verifying the identity of census officers before providing any survey data, protecting the public from falling victim to scams.

Mascots

Meet Paul and Charlotte, the mascots for the 2026 Population Census. Their Cantonese names are “Ah Po” and “Ah Cha”, which together sound similar to "census" in Cantonese (“Po Cha”). Their faces are designed to resemble dialogue boxes, conveying the message that “statistical data can speak”.

Paul is a calm and knowledgeable data user. Equipped with smart glasses, he possesses strong capability of analysing and using statistics to meet different needs. With a flick of his magic hands, he can project the findings in statistical charts in the air for sharing with others.

Charlotte is a cheerful and energetic census officer who is full of curiosity. She is passionate about gathering data for population census using her tablet. She also works on the telephone hotline, answering enquiries from the public. Above all, she is committed to keeping all survey data secure and confidential.

Together, Paul and Charlotte are dedicated to participating in the 2026 Population Census, gathering data from the public and presenting statistics objectively to better understand the demographic and social situation of Hong Kong.

History

Since 1961, a population census has been conducted in Hong Kong every ten years and a by-census in the middle of the intercensal period.

Population censuses were conducted in 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 while population by-censuses were conducted in 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016.

For more information on past population censuses/by-censuses, please visit the following web pages: