Cost of Conducting 2000 and 2010 Editions of the Census of Population

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is the cost of conducting the 2000 and 2010 editions of the Census of Population on a per capita basis (Citizens and Permanent Residents); and (b) what is the relevance of the Census given extensive and routine statistical data gathering.

On a per capita basis, based on Citizens and Permanent Residents as at end-June of the reference year, the cost of conducting the Census of Population was $4.99 in 2000 and $4.77 in 2010.

The purpose of conducting the Census is to collect and compile benchmark information on key socio-demographic and economic characteristics of Singapore's population and households. It is conducted once every 10 years, in line with the recommendation of the United Nations Statistics Division. The statistics compiled are widely used by the Government for policy planning purpose. Academics and the general public also rely on it for a comprehensive analysis of the profile of Singapore's population. Smaller scale surveys are unable to provide the detailed geographic coverage and fine cross-tabulations required by the Government, academia, businesses and members of the public.

In conducting the Census, the Department of Statistics (DOS) leverages on routine statistical data collected by Government agencies (administrative data) to minimise survey burden on respondents. For instance, population characteristics, such as age, sex, ethnic group and residential status, are obtained from administrative sources. Key information that is not available through administrative sources, such as relationships within the household and the religion of individuals, are gathered from surveying a representative sample of about 20% of households in Singapore. This approach taken by DOS is more efficient than the traditional approach adopted by other countries for their Censuses which enumerate every individual in the country.

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