KPM calls for accurate answers in census survey

• published: 04 Mar 2015
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Addressing the people of Pakngum district in Vientiane on Tuesday, Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong asked everyone to make sure thSey gave accurate answers to questions put by census staff. The ongoing census aims to calculate the current size of the country's population. Te n years ago, in 2005, the third Lao Population and Housing Census assessed the population at 5.4 million, and the government is keen to find out by how much the population has grown. The country's fourth census is taking place from March 1-7. “We want to know to what extent the number of Lao people has increased, and how many foreigners are living and working in Laos,” Mr Thongsing said. The government also wants to collate statistics relating to health, life expectancy, births and deaths. The statistics compiled from the census will be used by the government when formulating development plans and assessing the human resource situation and general living conditions. The results of the fourth population survey will also provide an important source of information for evaluating and assessing achievements under the seventh National Socio-economic Development Plan. The census is also an important source of information required for preparing for the Tenth Party Congress and the eighth National Socio-economic Development Plan for 2016 to 2020. According to Pakngum district authorities, most of the foreigners living there are Vietnamese and Chinese. Mr Thongsing told district authorities that all Lao nationals and foreigners will be counted. But with regard to foreigners, the census will record only information relating to people who have been living and working in Laos for over six months. He said the census should proceed smoothly in Pakngum district because people here were unlikely to move from place to place, as was the case in remote areas of some provinces. Following on from the 2005 population figure of 5.4 million, the Lao Statistics Bureau expects the population size to have increased to about 6.4 million people in 2013. This year's census is expected to reveal a population size of not more than seven million people. The first national census took place in 1985, the second in 1995, and the third in 2005. The 2015 census will cost 57.6 billion kip (US$7.2 million), with the government providing most of the funding. The work will also be supported by the United Nations Population Fund, the Swiss government, World Bank, Chinese government, and UNICEF, as well as local businesses. The res ults of the survey will have a preliminary release in September with a nationwide announcement of the census findings to be published in May 2016. By Times Reporters (Latest Update March 04, 2015)