The methodological descriptions presented in this chapter refer either to the last, or to the next population census, regarding the availability of the information.

In order to facilitate comparisons, the descriptions are structured and presented using standard sections and headings, as shown below. Whenever possible, the questions used in the census to obtain the information are given.

1. Name and address of the organization responsible for the census:

The name and address of the organization responsible are given in the original language or in the language used in official correspondence between the country and the ILO.

2. Population censuses conducted since 1945 (years):

This indicates the years in which population censuses have been conducted since 1945.

3. Coverage of the census:

(a) Geographical scope

This indicates whether the census covered the whole country or territory or, in cases where the coverage was limited, the areas or regions that were excluded.

(b) Persons covered

The population covered by the census, and any groups that are specifically excluded, such as foreign residents, persons usually resident elsewhere.

4. Reference period:

The period of time (e.g. a specific day, week or year) for which the data on economic characteristics were collected.

5. Main topics:

The main economic activity topics on which information was collected in the census, in terms of a standard list:

(a) Total population, by sex and age

Economically active population by:

(b) Sex and age group

(c) Industry

(d) Occupation

(e) Status in employment

(f) Educational level

(g) Hours of work

(h) Other characteristics

Details concerning the different topics are provided such as how the age is defined, the concept used for hours of work (actually worked, usually worked, etc.), and the different types of additional information collected about the person's economic activity (income, full-time or part-time work, etc.).

6. Concepts and definitions:

(a) Economically active population

The composition of the economically active population given in the Resolution concerning Statistics of the Economically Active Population, Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment (adopted by the Thirteenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians, 1982) is used as the standard against which the national definition used in the census is described.

The following are mentioned under this heading:

• Age limits for inclusion in the economically active population;
• Inclusion or exclusion of members of the armed forces.

(b) Employment

The national definition used in the census is given, along with the different categories that are included and, where relevant, can be identified separately.

(c) Unemployment

The national definition used in the census is given.

7. Classifications used:

(a) Industry

Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the group of industry and the number of groups used to code the data have been given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the national classification is linked to the International Standard Industrial Classification of all economic activities (ISIC), Revision 2 (1968) or Revision 3 (1990).

(b) Occupation

Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the group of occupation and the number of groups used to code the data have been given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the national classification is linked to the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-68 or ISCO-88).

(c) Status in employment

This indicates the number of groups used to code the data and, whenever possible, the titles of the groups.

(d) Level of education

Whenever possible, the questions asked to determine the level of education and the number of groups used to code the data have been given under this heading. It is also indicated whether the national classification is linked to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED).

8. Main differences compared with the previous census:

Any changes that were introduced in the coverage, concepts and definitions, etc. since the previous census are given under this heading.

9. Publication of the census results:

This section provides the title of the national publication in which the final census results were released, the organization responsible for the publication, and whether the results are available in other forms (diskettes, magnetic tapes, CD-ROM, etc).