Statistics  

Social Statistics Projects» The General Census of Population, Housing and Establishments

The Sultanate conducted the first population census in 1993. ten year later, in 2003, the second population, housing and establishments census was conducted. This second census provided the opportunity to compare its results with those obtained from the first one.

The carrying out of censuses at regular periodic intervals was meant to increase the

benefits derived from their results. A census gives a picture about the population and housing situation at the time it was carried out. Furthermore, the comparison of this picture with the one obtained from a previous census will provide the chance for studying the population trends and what will they be in the future.

The data and indicators that are provided by the census are of extreme importance to the different authorities in the Sultanate in various areas, the most important of which is improving the standard of living, the equitable distribution of the services provided by the government, effective implementation of primary healthcare and social services, appropriate locations for public utilities, identification of optimal routes for roads and human resources development.

The census administration had concluded the enumeration phases of the second census in December 2003, where 5000 persons had participated in its different operations. The Ministry was able to announce the preliminary results in less than two weeks after the completion of the actual enumeration process. The ability to announce the census results in such record time has been attributed to the use of modern techniques in carrying out the census operations, managing the enumeration process and the close follow up and control of these processes.