14 May 2009
As part of the vigorous efforts exerted by Qatar to prepare for the comprehensive Population, Housing and Establishment Census in 2010 , which other GCC member states are also conducting next year.
QSA is now carrying out a pilot census in May and June 2009 to test questionnaires and the methodology of data collection.
QSA has selected the sample household s in Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, and Umm Salal for the pilot census. In the pilot census which began on 13/5/2009 the information collected will help in identifying the quality of data to be gathered from 2010 census results. The census is a comprehensive count of the population of a country to know about their economic, social and demographic characteristics along with their geographical distribution and the composition as per their ages.
It is worth mentioning that the census data will be used by decision makers, planners and researchers as well as the whole Qatari society.
The government has provided technical and financial support needed for planning and implementing such major national project. In executing the 2010 census, QSA will observe international standards and utilize state-of-the-art technologies. It will introduce, for the first time in the history of census taking in Qatar, a new methodology using PDA (personal digital assistant) known as palmtop computer to collect and capture data. This, without any doubt, will ensure data validation and quick delivery of results.
The preparation for the census began in 2008 by bringing in local and international experts to design forms, questionnaires and census tabulations for individuals, buildings, housings and establishments.
The field operations are done according to following key stages:
1.Buildings enumeration stage
2.Buildings and their inclusive units and households as well as establishment count stage
3.Economic establishment characteristics count stage
4.Households and individuals count and their characteristics stage
Qatar Statistics Authority calls on all families, individuals and owners of establishments to provide full cooperation and support to the census enumerators, due to the significance of the census. Enumerators will be provided with official badges issued by the QSA. The information will only be used for statistical purposes and its confidentiality is protected by law.
** Objectives of Pilot Census **
