The population and housing census is considered one of the most important sources of population statistics for it provides a tangible picture of demographic, social and economic realities of the population in a specific time moment.
In its capacity as the sole agency in charge of implementing the census by virtue of the General Population Census Law issued by the Royal Decree No. m/13 dated 23/4/1391 A.H., the Central Department of Statistics & Information (CDSI) conducted both of the "1992 Population & Housing Census" and "2004 Population & Housing Census".
And the CDSI is currently planning for conducting the "Population & Housing Census" for 1431 A.H (2010 A.D).
The population & housing census is intended to collect, compile and disseminate demographic, social and economic information on the population. This information is used to meet the State's requirements as well as the needs of planners and researchers from basic data on population and housing.
The population & housing census also aims at providing a modern frame for all specialized statistical surveys that are carried out on a sample basis and providing a broad database that can be used as a reliable source in carrying out studies and researches required for economic, social and administrative development programs.
A. Method of Implementing the Population & Housing Census in the Kingdom:
The population & housing census in the Kingdom was carried out according to the de- facto methodology, i.e, by counting persons where their are at time of census, regardless of being usual residents of such places or temporarily visiting.
B. Population and Housing Census Time Reference:
-Data on all household members related to their number, population characteristics such as age, nationality, educational status and marital status was referred to the mid-night of reference, i.e., the night of time reference. The period of counting lasts for the 15 days following this night.
-Economic data on the employment status, working & occupation status and the economic activity of the employed, was referred to the week preceding the time reference.
-Data on births and deaths was referred to the 12 months preceding the time reference night.
C. Publications of Population & Housing Census:
CDSI published (14) detailed bulletins of the Population & Housing Censuses which were conducted in 1413 A.H. (1992 A.D) and 1425 A.H. (2004 A.D) at the level of the Kingdom as a whole and its 13 administrative regions as well. Those bulletins were disseminated to all concerned users. Moreover, other detailed or additional data, which could be extracted from census database, was available to users on request.