Planning and Execution of Operations of 2010 Census of Qatar on Population

Doha (QNA) - The planning and execution of operations of 2010 census of Qatar on Population, Housing & Establishments were done under the aegis of the Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA). Soon after the completion the need was felt to organize an Experts'' Group Meeting to suggest tabulation plans and methodologies of data analyses of the census. Accordingly a 2-day meeting of Experts'' Group was convened at the Millennium Hotel Doha on 30-31 March, 2011. About 70 national and international experts representing different nationals, GCC countries government departments and international agencies attended the meeting. During two-day deliberations of the meeting the following recommendations were made: 1- A comprehensive framework for the analysis of 2010 census data of Qatar on Population, Housing & Establishments should be developed. 2- It is recommended to use available official statistics along with census data wherever found necessary to supplement the information for in-depth analysis. 3- It is proposed to present the population estimates on mid-year, i.e., on 1st July 2010. 4- Harmonization and standardization of concepts and definitions are to be made as per U.N/International recommendations . 5- The data should be analyzed with gender perspective such as comparisons of women''s literacy/education vis-a-vis for men. Likewise, these comparisons should be extended to different sectors of economy. 6- The data should be analyzed with spatial distribution perspective. For example, the analysis should be done separately by geographical sub-divisions. 7- Census should be undertaken every 10 yearly. However to study short-term changes information on selected characteristics should be taken 5-yearly through mini census like that of Canada, Austrlia and Newzeland 8- All the data should be presented by simple tables which can be understood by masses with some basic education. 9- It is recommended to use information collected through censuses and available official statistics while developing micro and macro levels key performance indicators for 14 sectoral strategies outlined under the recently launched National Development Strategy (NDS) program for 2011 – 2016. 10- The group recommended to conduct various special surveys to assess, health and educational needs and to update the existing information. 11- QSA should conduct training programs regularly to develop competencies to analyze data obtained from censuses and surveys. 12- After the census data analysis is completed, short term and long term population projections should be made and future needs in different social and economic sectors should be estimated for devising strategies for effective and efficient planning.