Collecting Population Data

1
Collecting Population Data

• Higher Geography
• Population
• http//www.statistics.gov.uk/glance/

2
Census

• Describe why a census is carried out.
• Describe the methods of carrying out a census.
• Describe and explain the difficulties of carrying
  out a census especially in LEDCs.

3
What is a census?

• Since 1801, every ten years the nation has set
  aside one day for the census - a count of all
  people and households. It is the most complete
  source of information about the population that
  we have. The latest census was held on Sunday 29
  April 2001

4
Why carry out a census?

• We all use public services such as schools,
  health services, roads and libraries. These
  services need to be planned, and in such a way
  that they keep pace with fast-changing patterns
  of modern life. We need accurate information on
  the numbers of people, where they live and what
  their needs are.
• The government needs to know where to prioritize
  money and what policies should be put into place.

5
What questions does the census ask?

• Population
• An accurate count of the population in each local
  area helps the Government to calculate the size
  of grants it allocates each local authority and
  health authority.
• Health
• Data on general health, long-term illness and
  carers enables the Government to plan health and
  social services, and to allocate resources.
• Housing
• With information about the way we live as
  households, indicates the need for new housing.
• Employment
• Helping government and businesses to plan jobs
  and training policies and to make informed
  investment decisions.
• Transport
• Contributes to the understanding of pressures on
  transport systems and to the planning of roads
  and public transport.
• Ethnic Group
• Data on ethnic groups help to identify the extent
  and nature of disadvantage in Britain and to
  measure the success of equal opportunities
  policies.
• http//www.statistics.gov.uk/census/whatisacensus/
  CollectedAndProcessed.asp

6
How reliable is census data?

• Since 1951 there has been a marked improvement in
  the reliability of census data, encouraged by the
  UN and improved communication.
• Data collected in ELDCs continues to be less
  reliable for a number of reasons.

7
Other ways of collecting population data

• Civil Registration registration of all vital
  events. Allows more frequent up dating of data
  and monitoring of population change at a local
  level.
• National, EU and Global Surveys.

8
Problems with collecting census data in ELDCs.

• Read the bullet point on page 201 and take notes,
  in your own words, for each one.
• Questions
• Read pages 198-201 and answer question 4 page 235.