VO The 4th population and housing census launches, 2014 's census expected to reveal population surge INTRO: The fourth population and housing census was launched in Vientiane on Tuesday the 25th of June. According to the National Statistics Bureau, the population of Laos is expected to increase to around 6.8 million next year. STORY: The launching of 4th population and housing census chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and attended by government officials from different organisations in Vientiane and other provinces, as well as representatives from international organisations. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the 2015 census will also generate accurate information on population growth, which will help with projecting the current and future needs of different sectors. He also asked relevant sectors to be responsible in implementing the study. According to the Lao Statistics Law, the Population and Housing Census is to be conducted every ten years by the National Statistics Bureau. The first survey was conducted in 1985, then in 1995 and then in 2005. The next census will begin on March 1 next year and run for seven days. It is the biggest and most important survey operation in Laos. A population census covers everyone in the country at the same time and serves as benchmark data on population and its characteristics. It provides a snapshot of the number of people and their demographic, social, cultural and economic characteristics as at the reference date for all administrative areas -- the country as a whole, district, city, town and village. The Lao population has increased by around one million people over the past 10-year period. The bureau hopes to use around 22,000 surveyors and 6,000 inspectors to carry out this fourth census.

• published: 02 Jul 2014
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