Abstract

Censuses are principal means of collecting basic population and housing statistics required for social and economic development, policy interventions, their implementation and evaluation.The census plays an essential role in public administration. The results are used to ensure: • equity in distribution of government services • distributing and allocating government funds among various regions and districts for education and health services • delineating electoral districts at national and local levels, and • measuring the impact of industrial development, to name a few The census also provides the benchmark for all surveys conducted by the national statistical office. Without the sampling frame derived from the census, the national statistical system would face difficulties in providing reliable official statistics for use by government and the public. Census also provides information on small areas and population groups with minimum sampling errors. This is important, for example, in planning the location of a school or clinic. Census information is also invaluable for use in the private sector for activities such as business planning and market analyses. The information is used as a benchmark in research and analysis.

Census 2011 was the third democratic census to be conducted in South Africa. Census 2011 specific objectives included: - To provide statistics on population, demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics; - To provide a base for the selection of a new sampling frame; - To provide data at lowest geographical level; and - To provide a primary base for the mid-year projections.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Households, Individuals

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

About the Questionnaire : Much emphasis has been placed on the need for a population census to help government direct its development programmes, but less has been written about how the census questionnaire is compiled. The main focus of a population and housing census is to take stock and produce a total count of the population without omission or duplication. Another major focus is to be able to provide accurate demographic and socio-economic characteristics pertaining to each individual enumerated. Apart from individuals, the focus is on collecting accurate data on housing characteristics and services.A population and housing census provides data needed to facilitate informed decision-making as far as policy formulation and implementation are concerned, as well as to monitor and evaluate their programmes at the smallest area level possible. It is therefore important that Statistics South Africa collects statistical data that comply with the United Nations recommendations and other relevant stakeholder needs.

The United Nations underscores the following factors in determining the selection of topics to be investigated in population censuses: a) The needs of a broad range of data users in the country; b) Achievement of the maximum degree of international comparability, both within regions and on a worldwide basis; c) The probable willingness and ability of the public to give adequate information on the topics; and d) The total national resources available for conducting a census.

In addition, the UN stipulates that census-takers should avoid collecting information that is no longer required simply because it was traditionally collected in the past, but rather focus on key demographic, social and socio-economic variables.It becomes necessary, therefore, in consultation with a broad range of users of census data, to review periodically the topics traditionally investigated and to re-evaluate the need for the series to which they contribute, particularly in the light of new data needs and alternative data sources that may have become available for investigating topics formerly covered in the population census. It was against this background that Statistics South Africa conducted user consultations in 2008 after the release of some of the Community Survey products. However, some groundwork in relation to core questions recommended by all countries in Africa has been done. In line with users' meetings, the crucial demands of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) should also be met. It is also imperative that Stats SA meet the demands of the users that require small area data.

Accuracy of data depends on a well-designed questionnaire that is short and to the point. The interview to complete the questionnaire should not take longer than 18 minutes per household. Accuracy also depends on the diligence of the enumerator and honesty of the respondent.On the other hand, disadvantaged populations, owing to their small numbers, are best covered in the census and not in household sample surveys.Variables such as employment/unemployment, religion, income, and language are more accurately covered in household surveys than in censuses.Users'/stakeholders' input in terms of providing information in the planning phase of the census is crucial in making it a success. However, the information provided should be within the scope of the census.

1. The Household Questionnaire is divided into the following sections:
2. Household identification particulars

3. Individual particulars Section A: Demographics Section B: Migration Section C: General Health and Functioning Section D: Parental Survival and Income Section E: Education Section F: Employment Section G: Fertility (Women 12-50 Years Listed) Section H: Housing, Household Goods and Services and Agricultural Activities Section I: Mortality in the Last 12 Months The Household Questionnaire is available in Afrikaans; English; isiZulu; IsiNdebele; Sepedi; SeSotho; SiSwati;Tshivenda;Xitsonga

4. The Transient and Tourist Hotel Questionnaire (English) is divided into the following sections:

5. Name, Age, Gender, Date of Birth, Marital Status, Population Group, Country of birth, Citizenship, Province.

6. The Questionnaire for Institutions (English) is divided into the following sections:

7. Particulars of the institution

8. Availability of piped water for the institution

9. Main source of water for domestic use

10. Main type of toilet facility

11. Type of energy/fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting at the institution

12. Disposal of refuse or rubbish

13. Asset ownership (TV, Radio, Landline telephone, Refrigerator, Internet facilities)

14. List of persons in the institution on census night (name, date of birth, sex, population group, marital status, barcode number)

15. The Post Enumeration Survey Questionnaire (English)

These questionnaires are provided as external resources.

Cleaning operations

Data editing and validation system The execution of each phase of Census operations introduces some form of errors in Census data. Despite quality assurance methodologies embedded in all the phases; data collection, data capturing (both manual and automated), coding, and editing, a number of errors creep in and distort the collected information. To promote consistency and improve on data quality, editing is a paramount phase in identifying and minimising errors such as invalid values, inconsistent entries or unknown/missing values. The editing process for Census 2011 was based on defined rules (specifications).

The editing of Census 2011 data involved a number of sequential processes: selection of members of the editing team, review of Census 2001 and 2007 Community Survey editing specifications, development of editing specifications for the Census 2011 pre-tests (2009 pilot and 2010 Dress Rehearsal), development of firewall editing specifications and finalisation of specifications for the main Census.

Editing team The Census 2011 editing team was drawn from various divisions of the organisation based on skills and experience in data editing. The team thus composed of subject matter specialists (demographers and programmers), managers as well as data processors. Census 2011 editing team was drawn from various divisions of the organization based on skills and experience in data editing. The team thus composed of subject matter specialists (demographers and programmers), managers as well as data processors.

The Census 2011 questionnaire was very complex, characterised by many sections, interlinked questions and skipping instructions. Editing of such complex, interlinked data items required application of a combination of editing techniques. Errors relating to structure were resolved using structural query language (SQL) in Oracle dataset. CSPro software was used to resolve content related errors. The strategy used for Census 2011 data editing was implementation of automated error detection and correction with minimal changes. Combinations of logical and dynamic imputation/editing were used. Logical imputations were preferred, and in many cases substantial effort was undertaken to deduce a consistent value based on the rest of the household’s information. To profile the extent of changes in the dataset and assess the effects of imputation, a set of imputation flags are included in the edited dataset. Imputation flags values include the following: 0 no imputation was performed; raw data were preserved 1 Logical editing was performed, raw data were blank 2 logical editing was performed, raw data were not blank 3 hot-deck imputation was performed, raw data were blank 4 hot-deck imputation was performed, raw data were not blank

Data appraisal

Independent monitoring and evaluation of Census field activities Independent monitoring of the Census 2011 field activities was carried out by a team of 31 professionals and 381 Monitoring

Graph and download economic data for Employed Persons in South Census Region (LASRD930000000000005) from Jan 1976 to Apr 2025 about South Census Region, household survey, employment, persons, and USA.

United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Household Appliances data was reported at 2.707 USD bn in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.730 USD bn for Sep 2018. United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Household Appliances data is updated monthly, averaging 1.411 USD bn from Dec 1993 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 299 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.803 USD bn in Dec 2017 and a record low of 395.000 USD mn in Jan 1994. United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Household Appliances data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA006: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted: Imports by End-Use Commodity.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployed Persons in Northeast Census Region (LASRD910000000000004) from Jan 1976 to May 2025 about Northeast Census Region, household survey, unemployment, persons, and USA.

Provides a statistical snapshot of the City’s employment by industry and location. The census also captures parking and venue capacities however for simplicity this data has not been included in this dataset for the competition. Includes employment numbers (part time and full time) by industry (Anzic division and class) aggregated at city survey block level. Due to privacy guarantees, when the data is delivered to agencies outside the ACC land use survey is aggregated to survey block level. The survey block shapefile provides a visual representation of the data and has the survey block number or ID which can be used to link to land use data. The land use data is a one to many relationship to the land use tables so is not presented joined but in separate tables (CSV files). There are two CSV files, one of higher level (Division) land use and a lower level land use (class), both with the attendant employee figures for that Survey Block. There is an additional dataset that groups all the Anzsic activities by Survey Block. The survey block number is used for linking back to the survey block shapefile. FkSurveyBl in the tables links to SVYBLK in the KMZ layer SurveyBlock. Additional information on ANZSIC codes.

United States Imports: Customs: Mexico: sa data was reported at 45.694 USD bn in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 43.424 USD bn for Jan 2025. United States Imports: Customs: Mexico: sa data is updated monthly, averaging 25.332 USD bn from Jan 2009 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 194 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 45.694 USD bn in Feb 2025 and a record low of 13.158 USD bn in Mar 2009. United States Imports: Customs: Mexico: sa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA141: Imports: by Country: Census Basis. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Cellphone & Other Household Goods data was reported at 9.773 USD bn in Sep 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 9.460 USD bn for Aug 2018. United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Cellphone & Other Household Goods data is updated monthly, averaging 4.242 USD bn from Dec 1993 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 298 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.843 USD bn in Dec 2017 and a record low of 484.000 USD mn in Dec 1993. United States Imports: Census Basis: Customs: sa: Cellphone & Other Household Goods data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA006: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted: Imports by End-Use Commodity.

United States Imports: Customs: China: sa data was reported at 38.371 USD bn in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 40.207 USD bn for Jan 2025. United States Imports: Customs: China: sa data is updated monthly, averaging 37.819 USD bn from Jan 2009 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 194 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 57.013 USD bn in Mar 2022 and a record low of 23.379 USD bn in Jun 2009. United States Imports: Customs: China: sa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA141: Imports: by Country: Census Basis. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

United States Exports: FAS: sa: Goods: Other Goods data was reported at 5.564 USD bn in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.179 USD bn for May 2018. United States Exports: FAS: sa: Goods: Other Goods data is updated monthly, averaging 3.042 USD bn from Jan 1989 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 354 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.179 USD bn in May 2018 and a record low of 1.266 USD bn in Apr 1989. United States Exports: FAS: sa: Goods: Other Goods data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.JA004: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted.

Graph and download economic data for Hires: Total Nonfarm in South Census Region (JTS00SOHIR) from Dec 2000 to May 2025 about South Census Region, hires, nonfarm, and USA.

United States Imports: Customs: United Kingdom: sa data was reported at 6.102 USD bn in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.718 USD bn for Jan 2025. United States Imports: Customs: United Kingdom: sa data is updated monthly, averaging 4.607 USD bn from Jan 2009 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 194 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.718 USD bn in Jan 2025 and a record low of 3.289 USD bn in May 2020. United States Imports: Customs: United Kingdom: sa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA141: Imports: by Country: Census Basis. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

United States Imports: Customs: sa: Goods: Industrial Supplies data was reported at 75.526 USD bn in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 86.249 USD bn for Feb 2025. United States Imports: Customs: sa: Goods: Industrial Supplies data is updated monthly, averaging 36.231 USD bn from Jan 1986 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 471 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 90.412 USD bn in Jan 2025 and a record low of 7.685 USD bn in Dec 1986. United States Imports: Customs: sa: Goods: Industrial Supplies data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA006: Trade Balance: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Israel Employment: 2008 Census: sa: Activities of Households as Employers data was reported at 62.947 Person th in Mar 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 64.651 Person th for Dec 2017. Israel Employment: 2008 Census: sa: Activities of Households as Employers data is updated quarterly, averaging 66.076 Person th from Mar 2012 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 72.915 Person th in Jun 2014 and a record low of 59.976 Person th in Dec 2013. Israel Employment: 2008 Census: sa: Activities of Households as Employers data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Israel – Table IL.G009: Employment: 2008 Census: 2011 Classification: by Industry.

United States Imports: Customs: sa: IS: Chemicals-Fertilizers data was reported at 1.014 USD bn in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.142 USD bn for Aug 2018. United States Imports: Customs: sa: IS: Chemicals-Fertilizers data is updated monthly, averaging 648.500 USD mn from Dec 1993 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 298 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.789 USD bn in Sep 2008 and a record low of 187.000 USD mn in Jan 1994. United States Imports: Customs: sa: IS: Chemicals-Fertilizers data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.JA006: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted: Imports by End-Use Commodity.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployed Persons in South Census Region (LASRD930000000000004) from Jan 1976 to May 2025 about South Census Region, household survey, unemployment, persons, and USA.

United States Trade Balance: Mexico: sa data was reported at -5.837 USD bn in May 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of -6.040 USD bn for Apr 2018. United States Trade Balance: Mexico: sa data is updated monthly, averaging -5.255 USD bn from Jan 2009 (Median) to May 2018, with 113 observations. The data reached an all-time high of -3.058 USD bn in Jun 2009 and a record low of -6.636 USD bn in May 2017. United States Trade Balance: Mexico: sa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.JA010: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: By Country: Trade Balance.

United States Imports: Customs: sa: FB: Green Coffee data was reported at 409.000 USD mn in May 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 379.000 USD mn for Apr 2018. United States Imports: Customs: sa: FB: Green Coffee data is updated monthly, averaging 257.500 USD mn from Dec 1993 (Median) to May 2018, with 294 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 740.000 USD mn in Oct 2011 and a record low of 75.000 USD mn in Feb 2002. United States Imports: Customs: sa: FB: Green Coffee data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.JA006: Trade Statistics: Census Basis: Seasonally Adjusted: Imports by End-Use Commodity.

Graph and download economic data for Employed Persons in Northeast Census Region (LASRD910000000000005) from Jan 1976 to May 2025 about Northeast Census Region, household survey, employment, persons, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Civilian Labor Force in South Census Region (CSOUULF) from Jan 1976 to May 2025 about South Census Region, civilian, labor force, labor, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Spliced Business Formations Within Four Quarters: Total for All NAICS in South Census Region (BFSBF4QTOTALSASO) from Jul 2004 to Jun 2025 about spliced, business formations, South Census Region, business, and USA.