The methodological descriptions presented in this chapter
refer either to the last, or to the next population census,
regarding the availability of the information.
In order to facilitate comparisons, the descriptions are
structured and presented using standard sections and headings, as
shown below. Whenever possible, the questions used in the census
to obtain the information are given.
1. Name and address of the organization responsible for the census:
The name and address of the organization responsible are given in
the original language or in the language used in official
correspondence between the country and the ILO.
2. Population censuses conducted since 1945 (years):
This indicates the years in which population censuses have been
conducted since 1945.
3. Coverage of the census:
(a) Geographical scope
This indicates whether the census covered the whole country or
territory or, in cases where the coverage was limited, the areas
or regions that were excluded.
(b) Persons covered
The population covered by the census, and any groups that are
specifically excluded, such as foreign residents, persons usually
resident elsewhere.
4. Reference period:
The period of time (e.g. a specific day, week or year) for which
the data on economic characteristics were collected.
5. Main topics:
The main economic activity topics on which information was
collected in the census, in terms of a standard list:
(a) Total population, by sex and age
Economically active population by:
(b) Sex and age group
(c) Industry
(d) Occupation
(e) Status in employment
(f) Educational level
(g) Hours of work
(h) Other characteristics
Details concerning the different topics are provided such as how
the age is defined, the concept used for hours of work (actually
worked, usually worked, etc.), and the different types of
additional information collected about the person's economic
activity (income, full-time or part-time work, etc.).
6. Concepts and definitions:
(a) Economically active population
The composition of the economically active population given in
the
Resolution concerning Statistics of the Economically
Active Population, Employment, Unemployment and
Underemployment (adopted by the Thirteenth International
Conference of Labour Statisticians, 1982) is used as the standard
against which the national definition used in the census is
described.
The following are mentioned under this heading:
- Age limits for inclusion in the economically active
population;
- Inclusion or exclusion of members of the armed forces.
(b) Employment
The national definition used in the census is given, along with
the different categories that are included and, where relevant,
can be identified separately.
(c) Unemployment
The national definition used in the census is given.
7. Classifications used:
(a) Industry
Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the group of
industry and the number of groups used to code the data have been
given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the
national classification is linked to the International Standard
Industrial Classification of all economic activities (ISIC),
Revision 2 (1968) or Revision 3 (1990).
(b) Occupation
Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the group of
occupation and the number of groups used to code the data have
been given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the
national classification is linked to the International Standard
Classification of Occupations (ISCO-68 or ISCO-88).
(c) Status in employment
This indicates the number of groups used to code the data and,
whenever possible, the titles of the groups.
(d) Level of education
Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the level of
education and the number of groups used to code the data have
been given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the
national classification is linked to the International Standard
Classification of Education (ISCED).
8. Main differences compared with the previous census:
Any changes that were introduced in the coverage, concepts and
definitions, etc. since the previous census are given under this
heading.
9. Publication of the census results:
This section provides the title of the national publication in
which the final census results were released, the organization
responsible for the publication, and whether the results are
available in other forms (diskettes, magnetic tapes, CD-ROM,
etc).