THE preparation work for the Census in November 2011 is on track says the Government Statistician, “Our last census was in 2006 and this is the first time for Tonga to have the census in a five year interval. The Statistics Department has been preparing for the census since the beginning of the year.”

A census counts everyone in the country and collects information about characteristics of populations and housing in different villages, districts and island groups.

The census is important as it provides the government, communities, businesses, churches, schools, academics and many other organisations with statistics which helps to accurately inform and plan public services.

The pilot test of the census materials was completed last week and work on other census materials is being finalised. The Department is grateful for the assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Mrs Leilua Taulealo is here to assist with data processing and Mr Scott Pontifex is finalizing the mapping of the census blocks.

The Department also wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the continuing support of the public for its statistical work. Statistics Department, 28/09/11.