Abstract

The primary objective of the Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Survey is to provide a permanent platform for the collection of data to compile socio-economic indicators to keep track of development in the country.

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The survey covers all private Mauritian households on the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

A stratified two-stage sampling design is used. At the first stage, Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) are selected with probability proportional to size and at the second stage, a fixed number of households is selected from each selected PSU. Prior to 2005, the first stage stratification factors were urban, semi urban and rural geographical locations. The second stage stratification criteria are community, household size and average monthly expenditure of the household. From 1999 to 2003, around 6,500 households were covered each year. In 2004, the sample was increased to 8,640 so that reliable quarterly estimates of labour force, employment and unemployment could be worked out. From 2005 the sample was further increased to 11,280. Furthermore, in order to measure quarterly changes, 50% of the households sampled in a quarter are now re-interviewed in the following quarter.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The CMPHS questionnaire includes a basic module common to all rounds with a core set of questions which are kept constant and cover (a) general characteristics of the population, and (b) labour force information; and (c) a third module covering new topics, which changes over time.

Abstract

The Central Statistics Office conducted its fourth Census of Economic Activities (CEA 2002) from January 2002 to June 2004, with 2002 as reference year. The main objective of the CEA which is conducted every five years, is to collect up-to-date data on the operating characteristics and structure of units engaged in all economic activities, except agriculture, undertaken in the Republic of Mauritius.

CEA 2002 was carried out in two phases. The first phase, which covered the “small” non-agricultural establishments, i.e. those engaging less than 10 persons inclusive of own account and unpaid family workers, and itinerant units was conducted from January to December 2002. The second phase, directed to the “large” establishments, i.e. those engaging ten or more persons, was carried out from July 2003 to June 2004.

Analysis unit

Small and large non-agricultural establishments

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

Based on the accuracy of results obtained from the previous exercise in 1997 and optimizing on resources available, the sample size for the survey was set to 3000 production units for the Island of Mauritius and 200 for Rodrigues.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Abstract

The 2011 Mauritius Housing & Population Census will be carried out by the Central Statistics Office in two distinct rounds: the Housing Census from 31 January 2011 to June 2011 followed by the Population Census from 20 June to 31 July 2011 in respect of all persons alive on the night of 3 - 4 July 2011. The main objective of the Housing and Population census is to provide up-to-date and disaggregated data on the housing conditions, the spatial distribution, and the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the Mauritian population.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

• Household;
• Indivudual.

Universe

The Housing Census will enumerate all buildings, housing units, households, commercial and industrial establishments, hotels and boarding houses as well as fruit trees of bearing age on residential premises.

The Population Census will enumerate all persons present on census night in all households and communal establishments, as well as usual residents who are away on census night.

Housing and population enumerations will be conducted in the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agalega.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

Census 2011, like the four previous ones, was taken in two distinct rounds: the Housing Census followed by the Population Census four months later. This enumeration procedure was adopted in order to obtain at the Housing Census a list of names and addresses of heads of households which served as frame for the Population Census.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

4.1 Questionnaire design The questionnaire type, format and contents were determined on the basis of the following factors:

Data to be collected Data collected were in line with UN recommendations and, in addition, catered for local data needs.

Method of enumeration For Census 2011, the questionnaires were completed by enumerators who carried out field interviews.

Data capture and processing techniques The office used scanning and recognition technology for census data capture directly from the questionnaires.

4.2 Contents of questionnaire The questionnaire contents were determined as follows: (i) The data needs of main stakeholders from Government Ministries and Departments were considered. As from 2008, heads of Government Ministries and Departments were invited via a circular letter to submit their requirements for demographic, social and economic data considered essential for administration, planning and policy-making and which could be collected at the census. Topics were retained after considering: - their usefulness to the country; - the cost for data collection and processing - where it is possible by other means to obtain satisfactory information more cheaply, the topic was not selected; and - their suitability for data collection at a Census - sensitive and controversial issues as well as questions that are too complicated or difficult for the average respondent to answer were avoided. (ii) The concepts and questions used for the previous census were examined for relevance and only those found relevant were kept. (iii) The latest “Principles and Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses” were reviewed to determine whether to add questions or to modify existing questions. (iv) The questions thus arrived at were tested during a pilot census conducted in September 2010. In the light of observations made on the field, some changes were made to the wording and sequence of the questions and a final set of questions adopted. 4.2.1 The Housing Census questionnaire The Housing Census questionnaire covered all topics and items covered at Census 2000; some new items were added for the reasons given in the column “Remarks”.

The questionnaire was designed to cover 1 housing unit, up to two households, up to three planters and 1 commercial/industrial establishment, guest house or tourist residence. More than one questionnaire was used in other cases.

4.2.2 The Population Census questionnaire The 2011 Population Census questionnaire included the topics covered at the 2000 Population Census except that on income. Questions were added on National Identity number of each person as well as on residence for the reasons mentioned in the column “Remarks”.

4.3 Questionnaire layout and size The layout and design of response areas was done to ensure optimum conditions for data capture through scanning and recognition technology. The layout was also influenced by the cost (the number of pages had to be kept to a minimum to cut down on paper, printing and scanning costs) while at the same time ensuring ease of recording the answers on the field.

Cleaning operations

The quality of information collected depends not only on the training of field workers, but also on the day-to-day control and supervision of the fieldwork. Supervisors had to accompany each of their Enumerators in the first visits to ensure that interviews were done according to instructions given and that all concepts were clearly understood. Surprise and pre-arranged field checks as well as re-interviews also helped to increase the reliability of the information collected. Furthermore, Supervisors had to check all completed questionnaires at the early stage of enumeration and later a sample of the completed questionnaires to ensure that the quality of work was satisfactory. Meetings were held regularly to take stock of the field situation and to solve problems met on the field.

All supervisory staff had to record their field activities in provided diaries. The day-today record outlined the activities carried out, the dates and the places at which the activities were carried out, problems encountered and remedial actions taken. The day-to-day recording of activities allowed supervisory staff to follow the progress of work and to assess the performance of each and every staff working under their supervision. Furthermore, it ensured that supervisory control prevailed all along the fieldwork.

Abstract

The Mauritius Household Budget Survey was carried out between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 by the Central Statistics Office of Mauritius. The survey was conducted among a sample of 6,720 private households representative of all households in the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues, with 560 households surveyed each month. The main objective of the survey was to obtain up-to-date information on the consumption patterns of the Mauritian population to update the Consumer Price Index. The HBS also provides data on the distribution of household income and expenditure and is widely used for poverty analysis.

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The survey covered private households of residents of Mauritius.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The Household Budget Survey was conducted with 4 questionnaires:

A household questionnaire, to collect information on the characteristics of the selected households and its members. An income questionnaire, to collect data on the income of each income earner in the household. A point of purchase questionnaire, to collect data on outlets where households usually purchase goods and services. A daily diary, to record daily household expenditure.

Response rate

The initial response rate was 74% before replacing households that were unable or unwilling to participate in the survey. After replacement by households having similar stratification criteria, the response rate was 100%.

Abstract

The Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Survey (CMPHS) was launched by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1999. The primary objective of this survey is to provide a permanent platform for the collection of information relevant to the computation of appropriate socio-economic indicators to keep track of development on the social front. The on-going nature of the survey allows any topic of current interest to be easily integrated as a distinct module in the questionnaire. The questions to be included are finalised after discussion with concerned ministries and government departments.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Household Person/ Individual

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1999 Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Survey questionnaire consisted of : 1) Household characteristics 2) Demographic and health characteristics of household members 3) Educational characteristics of household members 4) Labour force 5) Women 6) Elderly 7) Income and expenditure of household

Response rate

Out of the 4,725 households selected for interview, 73 could not be contacted, yielding an initial response rate of 98.5%. However, these non-contacts were replaced by other households with similar characteristics.

Abstract

The Mauritian Household Budget Survey is undertaken to collect data on the consumption patterns of the population living in private households in Mauritius. The data is used to update the "basket of goods and services" for the compilation of Mauritius' Consumer Price Index.

The main objectives of the HBS were: (i) to determine the items of household goods and services that will constitute the updated consumer basket of goods and services for the computation of the CPI, (ii) to estimate the weight (relative importance) of each item in the CPI basket, (iii) to provide data on the distribution of household income and expenditure, (iv) to provide data for the compilation of household accounts in the system of National Accounts, and (v) to provide information for the nutritional studies.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The survey covered all private non-institutional households in the Republic of Mauritius. Households of non-residents as well as institutional households such as hotels, hospitals, boarding houses and prisons were excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling Design A national sample of 6,720 households was selected for the 2001/02 HBS. It was made up of two separate samples, one of 6,240 for the island of Mauritius and another of 480 for the island of Rodrigues. Each sample was selected using a 2-stage design with probability proportional to size. Enumeration areas (EAs) were first selected with probability proportional to size, followed by selection of households within the selected EAs.

To ensure that the selected EAs are representative of all regions, the frame of EAs was stratified according to 23 regional strata (21 for island of Mauritius and 2 for Rodrigues) taking into account the geographical district and the urban, semi-urban and rural regions. Within each stratum, a sample of EAs was selected with probability proportional to the number of households in each EA. To cater for seasonal variations in the consumption behaviour of households, the selected EAs (780 in the island of Mauritius and 60 in Rodrigues) were randomly spread over the twelve months of the survey period.

At the second stage, a complete listing of selected EAs was made while at the same time, information required for stratification to ensure adequate representation of households of different characteristics was collected. A fixed number of eight households was then selected by systematic random sampling within each selected EA after stratification by household size, religion and consumption expenditure class.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 2001-2002 Household Budget Survey questionnaire consisted of 5 sections: 1) Listing schedule 2) Household schedule 3) Daily record of household expenditure 4) Income schedule 5) Point of purchase questionnaire

Response rate

The initial response rate was 74% before replacing households that were unable or unwilling to participate in the survey. After replacement by households having similar stratification criteria, the response rate was 100%.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Monthly

Sampling procedure

Sample size: 31016

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Monthly

Sampling procedure

Sample size: 37946

Abstract

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) conducted its fifth Census of Economic Activities (CEA) in Mauritius and Rodrigues from January 2007 to May 2009, with 2007 as reference year. The main objective of this exercise which is carried out every five years is to collect data on the operating characteristics and structure of all types of economic activities, except Agriculture.

The 2007 CEA was conducted in two phases - Phase I covered a sample of small production units that is, those engaging less than ten persons and Phase II covered all large establishments, that is, those engaging at least ten persons. Data collection for Phase I was carried out from January 2007 to December 2007 while that for Phase II started in July 2008 and was completed in May 2009. A comprehensive report for Phase I was published in June 2009.

The main objectives of the 2007 Census of Economic Activities are: (a) To collect up-to-date information on the operating characteristics and structure of all types of economic activities except Agriculture, carried out in the Republic of Mauritius. (b) To assess the contribution of the various industry groups in the overall economy. (c) To obtain benchmark data for computing national accounts estimates. (d) To obtain detailed data for the construction of Input-Output tables and Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) for impact analysis. (e) To obtain benchmark data and weights for the construction of volume and price indices.

Coverage Phase II of the CEA 2007 aimed at covering all large establishments engaging ten or more persons, located in the Republic of Mauritius. However, the following were excluded for reasons stated below: (a) Agricultural activities: These activities have not been covered because of the difference in methodology and measurement techniques used in the collection and compilation of data pertaining to the agricultural sector as compared to other sectors of the economy. (b) Domestic services: These services cannot be appropriately covered by an establishment survey. (c) Concealed and illicit activities: These activities are difficult to measure.

It is to be noted that CEA 2007 did not cover sugar-milling industries and government units as data were readily available from administrative sources. However, “small” establishments operating in the “Export Oriented Enterprises (EOE)”and “Freeport” were covered in Phase II because their production structure are similar to those of “large” establishments and their set of accounts are usually available for a whole year.

Geographic coverage

Phase II of the CEA 2007 aimed at covering all large establishments engaging ten or more persons, located in the Republic of Mauritius at district level.

Analysis unit

Small and large non-agricultural establishments

Universe

All large establishments in the Republic of Mauritius, excluding establishments belonging to the agriculture sector.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The first phase of the Census of Economic Activities was to cover all small production units (i.e those engaging less than 10 persons) operating in the Republic of Mauritius, except agricultural activities, activities of household employees and illegal activities. Out of an estimated total of around 92,000 such units, it was decided to survey a sample of around 3,400 units, 3,100 in Mauritius and 300 in Rodrigues. Hence, a comprehensive list of such units (the sampling frame) was required from which the sample would be drawn.

The sampling frame was constructed from data available in the business register compiled by the Central Business Register unit of the CSO, supplemented by information from some other administrative sources.

Mode of data collection

Mail Questionnaire [mail]

Research instrument

The methodology used for compiling economic aggregates, such as output, input, value added, etc., varies from activity to activity. It was therefore not possible to use a unique questionnaire for all sectors. Ultimately seven different questionnaires had to be designed to meet the requirements of the CEA. The activities covered by each questionnaire were as follows:

CEAL 1: Mining and quarrying, and manufacturing CEAL 2: Construction CEAL 3: Wholesale and retail trade CEAL 4: Hotels and restaurants CEAL 5: Insurance CEAL 6: Banking and other financial intermediation CEAL 7: Services (Other)

Cleaning operations

The editing and coding exercise were carried out in the office and also as home assignment. In office, a team of around eight officers (two Clerical Officers and six Statistical Officers) were involved in the exercise under the supervision of two Senior Statistical Officers (one part-time and one full-time). Sample of the coded questionnaires were verified by a Statistician. In addition to an instruction document “Editing and Coding Instructions” provided to the coders, training sessions were carried out by the Statistician together with the Principal Statistician for a clear understanding of the tasks expected from them.

Home Assignment Due to the shortage of human resource in the editing and coding exercise, the office had recourse to home assignment undertaken by the same team of coders in order to complete the work in time. This practice was also adopted for phase I of the census.

Dara Entry Data capture was performed by the Central Information Systems Division (CISD) of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology using the Integrated Microcomputer Processing System (IMPS) software. Data validation and cleaning were done by the CEA unit using IMPS. The clean data files were then transferred to the STATA software for tabulation. Summary tables and charts were prepared in EXCEL.

Response rate

The overall response rate was around 42% in terms of establishments, 55% in terms of employment and 57% in terms of gross output.

Zambia Imports: SC: Mauritius data was reported at 176.700 ZMW mn in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 114.600 ZMW mn for May 2018. Zambia Imports: SC: Mauritius data is updated monthly, averaging 176.700 ZMW mn from Aug 2015 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,292.200 ZMW mn in Nov 2015 and a record low of 38.700 ZMW mn in May 2017. Zambia Imports: SC: Mauritius data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistical Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.JА009: Imports: by Country.

Abstract

The Central Statistics Office conducted the second round of the Continuous Multi Purpose Household Survey (CMPHS) from January to December 2001. The primary objective of the CMPHS is to provide a permanent platform for the collection of information relevant to the computation of appropriate socio-economic indicators to keep track of development on the social front.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Household Person/ Individual

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

At the first round of the survey in 1999, a master sample of 420 regions (PSUs), 35 for each of the 12 survey months during a year, was selected and a complete listing of private households was made from each of these PSUs. At a second stage, 15 households were selected from each PSU for interviews. The same listings made in 1999, were again used in 2001 for selection of households.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 2001 Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Survey questionnaire consisted of : 1) Household characteristics 2) Demographic and health characteristics of household members 3) Educational characteristics of household members 4) Labour force 5) Women 6) Elderly 7) Income and expenditure of household

Response rate

Out of the total 6,300 households selected over the whole year, 417 (7%) could not be contacted. The reasons for non-contacts were mainly because the households had moved. They were therefore replaced by other households with similar characteristics.

Sampling error estimates

Estimates worked out from household survey data are inevitably subject to sampling error since they are based on information collected from only a sample of households rather than from all households.

The Standard Error (S.E.) is a measure of the precision of estimates derived from samples and it can be used to set confidence limits to these estimates. Thus, the S.E for the unemployment rate of 9.4% derived from the sample is 0.4% and a 95% confidence interval for the unemployment rate would be 9.4% +(-) 2(0.4%), i.e. 8.6% to 10.2%. In the same way, a 95% confidence interval for average household income would be Rs 12,340 + (-) 478.

Zambia Exports: SC: Mauritius data was reported at 2.600 ZMW mn in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.600 ZMW mn for Sep 2018. Zambia Exports: SC: Mauritius data is updated monthly, averaging 1.500 ZMW mn from Aug 2015 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.700 ZMW mn in Sep 2016 and a record low of 0.000 ZMW mn in Mar 2018. Zambia Exports: SC: Mauritius data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistical Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Zambia – Table ZM.JА003: Exports: by Country.

Abstract

The Central Statistics Office conducted the third round of the Continuous Multi Purpose Household Survey (CMPHS) from January to December 2002. The primary objective of the CMPHS is to provide a permanent platform for the collection of information relevant to the computation of appropriate socio-economic indicators to keep track of development on the social front.

This issue of Economic and Social Indicators presents the main findings of the survey based on responses cumulated over the twelve survey months and covers the following: (i) demographic, health and educational characteristics of all household members; (ii) environment; (iii) information technology; (iv) sport and leisure activities; and (v) household conditions, including expenditure and income.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Household Person/ Individual

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

At the first round of the survey in 1999, a master sample of 420 regions or primary sampling units (PSUs), 35 for each of the 12 survey months during a year, was selected and a complete listing of private households was made from each of these PSUs. At a second stage, 15 households were selected from each PSU for interviews. The listings made in 1999, were again used in 2001 and 2002 for selection of households.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 2002 Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Survey questionnaire consisted of: 1) Demographic and health characteristics of household members 2) Educational characteristics of household members 3) Sport and leisure 4) Environment 5) Information technology (IT) 6) Housing conditions, income and expenditure

Response rate

Out of the 6,300 selected households, 518 (8%) could not be contacted. This is due to the fact that the households had moved since 1999, year during which listings were made. The noncontacts were therefore replaced by other households with similar characteristics.

Sampling error estimates

Estimates worked out from household survey data are inevitably subject to sampling error since they are based on information collected from only a sample of households rather than from all households.

The Standard Error (S.E.) is a measure of the precision of estimates derived from samples and it can be used to set confidence limits to these estimates. Thus, the S.E. for average household income estimated at Rs13,360 from the sample, is Rs269 and its 95% confidence interval would be Rs13,360+(-)2(269), i.e. Rs.12,822 to Rs 13,898.

Abstract

The main objective of the survey, which is undertaken in March every year in all pre-primary, primary, secondary and specialized schools, is to have a set of reliable data on the education sector for the Republic of Mauritius. The questionnaires have been designed to collect information at school level on: (1) infrastructure and facilities available (2) enrolment (3) examination results (4) ICT (5) teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Educational institutions

Universe

The survey covered all public and private (including fee-paying) schools in the Republic of Mauritius.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Mail Questionnaire [mail]

Cleaning operations

Data editing took place at various stages throughout the processing, including:

(a) Office editing and coding Each completed questionnaire was thoroughly scrutinized for missing and inconsistent data by a team of five Statistical Officers posted at Ministry of Education. The data was also checked against the previous year's figures to locate major changes. Following this, query was cross-checked with each school through phone and necessary corrections made. The questionnaires were then coded for data entry.

(b) During data entry Coded questionnaires, in batches, were then sent to Statistics Mauritius head office where a team of four Data Entry Operators form CISD (Central Information Systems Division) did the data capture. Questionnaires were entered twice using the software IMPS (Integrated Microcomputer Processing System) by two different persons to ensure that there was no input error.

(c) Structure checking The data files were sent back to the Statistics Unit at the Ministry of Education where automated data consistency checks were run on the data using the software IMPS again. Errors identified were then corrected by the team of five Statistical Officers. Data were validated using IMPS until there was no error.

Geographic coverage

All private Mauritian households in the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues are covered.

Analysis unit

• Household

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

A Stratified two-stage sampling design is used. At the first stage, Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) are selected with probability proportional to size and at the second stage, a fixed number of households is selected from each selected PSU. Prior to 2005, the first stage stratification factors were urban, semi urban and rural geographical locations. The second stage stratification criteria are community, household size and average monthly expenditure of the household. From 1999 to 2003, around 6,500 households were covered each year.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The CMPHS questionnaire comprises three modules: a basic module common to all rounds of the survey covering the general characteristics of the population (b) a second module covering labour force with in-depth investigation and a core set of questions which are kept constant at all rounds of the survey and (c) a third module grouping other topics of interest but investigated in less details.

Geographic coverage

All private Mauritian households in the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues are covered.

Analysis unit

• Household

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

A Stratified two-stage sampling design is used. At the first stage, Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) are selected with probability proportional to size and at the second stage, a fixed number of households is selected from each selected PSU. Prior to 2005, the first stage stratification factors were urban, semi urban and rural geographical locations. The second stage stratification criteria are community, household size and average monthly expenditure of the household. From 1999 to 2003, around 6,500 households were covered each year. In 2004, the sample was increased to 8,640 so that reliable quarterly estimates of labour force, employment and unemployment could be worked out. As from 2005, the sample for the year has been further increased to 11,280. Furthermore, in order to measure quarterly changes, 50% of the households sampled in a quarter are re-interviewed in the following quarter; for example, 50% of the households sampled in the first quarter of 2005 have been re-interviewed in the second quarter of 2005.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The CMPHS questionnaire comprises three modules: a basic module common to all rounds of the survey covering the general characteristics of the population (b) a second module covering labour force with in-depth investigation and a core set of questions which are kept constant at all rounds of the survey and (c) a third module grouping other topics of interest but investigated in less details.