A census is an enumeration, or counting, of a population, typically conducted by a government at regular intervals. It aims to gather comprehensive demographic, social, and economic data about all individuals residing within a country or region at a specific point in time. The information collected in a census can include age, sex, race, ethnicity, education level, occupation, income, and household characteristics. This data is crucial for various purposes, such as allocating government resources, determining political representation, and informing policy decisions. The methodology of a census can vary, but it often involves distributing questionnaires to households or conducting door-to-door surveys. Ensuring accuracy and completeness in a census can be challenging due to factors like population mobility and reluctance to participate. Modern censuses often utilise technology to improve data collection and processing.