What is the difference between census data and demographic survey data in Pakistan?
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Direct answer
A census aims to enumerate the full population at a specific reference point and is suited to detailed geographic counts and broad characteristics. A demographic survey studies a sampled population and can collect more detailed information on births, deaths, marital status, households, and related indicators. Survey results carry sampling uncertainty, while census data can still face coverage and classification issues. The two sources complement one another but should not be combined as if their designs and denominators were identical.
Sources used
7th Population and Housing Census 2023
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
Official census context for population, provinces, urban-rural structure and limits of national demographic claims.View sourcePakistan Demographic Survey 2020
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
Official demographic survey tables covering age, sex, marital status, household size, births and duration of marriage.View source