Population:

a. Meaning: Population refers to the total number of people living within a geographical area or a country.

b. Population Census: A population census is the head count of people living in a

geographical area or in a country. A population census collects comprehensive data on people to know e.g. sex, age, educational and occupational backgrounds, religious affiliation, nationality etc.

c. Importance of Population Census

(i). It is used to determine the size and the growth rate of the population at a country. This helps the government in planning for education, transportation, health, etc.

(ii). It helps authorities to have adequate and relevant data. These data include the size, composition, distribution of population etc. These data aid the planners of the economy to forecast the future needs of the country.

(iii). Data provided by population census help in the allocation of resources to the various regions and states of the country.

(iv). It provides data for demographic studies.