The use of census data for national development planning Focus on the 2010 population and housing census

For many Caribbean countries the only mechanisms in place to systematically collect information on socio-demographic, economic, environmental and other issues of national importance are the Population and Housing Census and the Country Poverty Assessment studies. Country Poverty Assessment studies, however, have limitations of sample size and therefore do not provide information on relatively rare events nor can it provide small area data. Consequently, the Population and Housing Census is often the only source of valuable information needed for planning and management, and research. The purpose of this document is to examine the conduct of the 2010/11 Census with a view to promoting wider dissemination of the data. The information for this study was obtained using a mixed approach including literature review especially of United Nations organisations and the World Bank documents, informal interviews, and personal knowledge and experience in the area of data dissemination.