The census is the only survey that provides a detailed picture of the whole population. Everyone in the country is asked the same core questions at the same time. The results provide information, from national to neighbourhood level, that allows us to compare different parts of the country.
What we use the census for
We provide services to the public, such as schools, health services, transport and libraries. We need to make sure these services evolve to meet the changing needs of the population.
The results we get from the census on the number of people, where they live and what their needs are, helps us to plan and design services to suit demand.