Understanding how the Trinidad and Tobago 2011 Census Data can inform National Development

1. Understanding how the Trinidad and Tobago 2011 Census Data can inform National Development Presented by A. Noguera-Ramkissoon, UNFPA, OIC, SALISES Forum, 5 March 2013

2. Background – Purpose of the Census • Primary source of information about the number and characteristics of a population • Since the 1950s, key features of the census include: • individual enumeration (confidentiality) • within a defined area (universality) • over a short time-frame (simultaneity) and • at regular intervals (periodicity).

3. Provides a sampling frame • A baseline for population and related functional projections that are critical for sectoral planning Background – Purpose of the Census • Provides comparability of basic development indicators among countries • Facilitates the tracking of trends (including MDGs)

4. Why UNFPA Provides Support to Censuses • It provides a greater understanding of population dynamics, which influences every aspect of human social and economic development including: • growth rates • age structure • fertility and mortality • migration and more • It helps to see the link between reproductive health and women’s empowerment on population trends

5. Why UNFPA Provides Support to Censuses • It helps governments to gather information, track and analyse population trends - to create and manage sound policies and generate political will to appropriately address both current and future needs • In many countries, it is the sole source of information on the population and its characteristics

6. UNFPA’s Global Support to Censuses • data collection and analysis; • participating in national, regional and global policy dialogue • supporting demonstrative programmes

7. Support provided by UNFPA to the 2011 Census in T&T • Questionnaire design • Cleaning the data • Developing and formatting of the tabulation programs • The development of computer assisted coding application to assist in capturing the descriptions for the Occupation, Industry and Religion • Capacity building in the use of the REDATUM software, with ECLAC to facilitate processing, analysis and sharing of datasets.

8. Demographic Data tells us: • The total population • The # of males and # of females by age groups; • The various ethnic groups, religions • # of households in each region – population density • Average # of persons per household • The # of non-nationals Information Available from the Census

9. Information Available from the Census • # of disabled persons, where they are located, type of disability, sex and age • # of disabled people who are home-bound or who are able to work • Health status: #s with chronic illnesses by sex, age and location • # of persons with health insurance by age, sex, location

10. Information Available from the Census - Education • School enrolment • Educational attainment • Highest qualification ever attained • All by age, sex, location, etc.

11. Information Available from the Census -Employment • #s employed (15 years and over) and unemployed • Those seeking work and the reasons for those who are not seeking work • Type of employment • Employment status by job title, industry, or type of business

12. Information Available from the Census – The Family • Marital status • birth rate; • fertility rate; • infant mortality; • #s of deaths and by cause

13. Information Available from the Census • Information on the use of technology • Poverty indicators

14. Examples of how UNFPA Uses the Data • Advocacy & Policy Development • Target Interventions where there are gaps • Review of progress on the ICPD agenda & the MDGs

15. Some Specific Areas where the UN will use the Census Data • To review progress made in meeting MDGs and the 1994 ICPD Programme of Action • To examine fertility levels, age, migration and mortality rates to inform a national population policy • To have a better understanding of the population to facilitate greater planning for its development

16. Thank you