Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Census of Population?

In Singapore, the Census of Population is conducted once in every ten years. It is the single largest household survey undertaken in Singapore, collecting information on key characteristics of the population and households. The latest Census was conducted in 2010.

For more information about the Census, you may refer to the Census of Population 2010: Administrative Report

 

Why conduct Census?

Census is conducted to meet the statistical needs of Government Ministries, Departments, researchers, planners and the general public. The Census provides a comprehensive snapshot of the characteristics on the population and households in Singapore.

 

How is the Census conducted?

Singapore has adopted a register-based approach, supplemented with a large scale sample survey, for the Census of Population since 2000. The basic population statistics were compiled using administrative records from multiple sources. The merged administrative records provided the basic population count and characteristics such as age, sex, ethnic group, type of dwelling and geographic distribution in Singapore. Additional information not available from administrative sources were collected from a sample survey of households. These included marital status and fertility, religion, education and literacy, home language, mode of transport, elderly profile as well as housing and household characteristics.

Respondents are given the option to submit their Census returns through the Internet, telephone or face-to-face interviews.

 

What are the data collected in the Census?

The Census provides comprehensive data on Singapore’s population and households. Basic population count and characteristics such as age, sex, ethnic group, type of dwellings and geographic distribution in Singapore were compiled from administrative records from multiple sources. Additional information not available from administrative sources were collected from a sample survey. These included marital status and fertility, religion, education and literacy, home language, mode of transport, elderly profile as well as housing and household characteristics.

 

Where is the latest Census data published?

Information collected in the Census 2010 is published on the Department’s website.