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Understanding how the

Trinidad and Tobago 2011

Census Data can inform

National Development

Presented by A. Noguera-Ramkissoon, UNFPA, OIC,

SALISES Forum, 5 March 2013

Background – Purpose of the Census

Primary source of information about the number and characteristics of a population

Since the 1950s, key features of the census include:

individual enumeration (confidentiality)

within a defined area (universality)

over a short time-frame (simultaneity) and

at regular intervals (periodicity).

Background – Purpose of the Census

Provides a sampling frame

A baseline for population and related functional projections that are critical for sectoral planning

Provides comparability of basic development indicators among countries

Facilitates the tracking of trends (including MDGs)

Why UNFPA Provides Support to Censuses

It provides a greater understanding of population dynamics, which influences every aspect of human social and economic development including:

growth ratesage structure fertility and mortality migration and more

It helps to see the link between reproductive health and women’s empowerment on population trends

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Why UNFPA Provides Support to Censuses

It helps governments to gather information, track and analyse population trends - to create and manage sound policies and generate political will to appropriately address both current and future needs

In many countries, it is the sole source of information on the population and its characteristics

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UNFPA’s Global Support to Censuses

data collection and analysis;

participating in national, regional and global policy dialogue

supporting demonstrative programmes

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Support provided by UNFPA to the 2011 Census in T&T

Questionnaire design Cleaning the data Developing and formatting of the

tabulation programs The development of computer assisted

coding application to assist in capturing the descriptions for the Occupation, Industry and Religion

Capacity building in the use of the REDATUM software, with ECLAC to facilitate processing, analysis and sharing of datasets.

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Information Available from the Census

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Demographic Data tells us: The total population The # of males and # of females by age groups; The various ethnic groups, religions # of households in each region – population density Average # of persons per household The # of non-nationals

# of disabled persons, where they are located, type of disability, sex and age

# of disabled people who are home-bound or who are able to work

Health status: #s with chronic illnesses by sex, age and location

# of persons with health insurance by age, sex, location

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Information Available from the Census

School enrolment

Educational attainment

Highest qualification ever attained

All by age, sex, location, etc.

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Information Available from the Census - Education

#s employed (15 years and over) and unemployed

Those seeking work and the reasons for those who are not seeking work

Type of employment

Employment status by job title, industry, or type of business

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Information Available from the Census -Employment

Marital status

birth rate;

fertility rate;

infant mortality;

#s of deaths and by cause

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Information Available from the Census – The Family

Information on the use of technology

Poverty indicators

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Information Available from the Census

Advocacy & Policy Development

Target Interventions where there are gaps

Review of progress on the ICPD agenda & the MDGs

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Examples of how UNFPA Uses the Data

Some Specific Areas where the UN will use the Census Data

To review progress made in meeting MDGs and the 1994 ICPD Programme of Action

To examine fertility levels, age, migration and mortality rates to inform a national population policy

To have a better understanding of the population to facilitate greater planning for its development

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Thank you

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