Basic Features of the Population Census

Individual Enumeration

This process involves the entry of data of each individual included in the census separately and independently from other individual data. This is the most ideal method that permit the cross-classification of data on interrelated characteristics of the population in tables, with each table highlighting more than one characteristic.
 

Comprehensiveness

The objective here is to ensure census coverage of all individuals in a given area included in the count without deletion or repetition.  


Simultaneity

Each person and every living quarter must enumerated as nearly as possible with reference to a well-defined point of time and the collected data should refer to a well-defined reference period.

Simultaneity as at a specific point or over a specific period of time, is essential for ensuring an accurate count and for obtaining comparable data on characteristics.


Defined Periodicity

The defined census periodicity denotes that the population censuses are conducted in a regular periodic manner so as to ensure an intervening, defined intervals period between one census and the next. The intervals period usually extends for ten years, whereas in some countries it can be five years.