The value of a population census is that it will allow knowing the actual situation in the population and making predictions in many aspects of demographic, social, and political life. The population census is almost a non-alternative source of various information about the population as a whole and for each of its administrative-territorial units (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). The population census is a component and integral part of the national statistical system of the country, the primary source of data on the population and its living conditions.
Information from the population census is needed to help in the development of programs for the construction and distribution of housing, for demographic and migration processes, for education, health care, the social sphere, and job creation. The population census also gives a complete picture of jobs, labor resources, and business. The results of the population census reflect the economic, demographic, and social changes that took place in the country during the intercensal period. The statistical data obtained during the population census serve as the basis for forming budgets at all levels.
The census organizers are already facing different social and technological challenges. Population mentality, declining load on respondents, and growing information needs and information technology development lead to the growing demand for reforms and adjustments. In this case, Internet censuses can become an auspicious direction in demographic statistics. For these developments, however, financial injections are needed, as well as the multichannel approach for gathering information. It provides flexibility but, at the same time, requires a complicated system for checking the quality of data sources. The increase of Internet usage, in its turn, requires public confidence in the protection of their data provided. Thus, the future of censuses relies on several factors which require some preparation for implementation.
Reference
U.S. Census Bureau (2021). Center for Economic Research Report: 2020.