Unveiling Morocco’s 2024 Census: What Questions Can You Expect?
The much-anticipated 2024 General Census of Population and Housing in Morocco kicked off on September 1st, sparking curiosity and some speculation among citizens about the nature of the questions they’ll be asked. Let’s shed some light on what to expect, drawing from the official information released by the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
Why a Census Matters: Painting a Picture of Morocco Today
Similar to previous censuses, the 2024 edition aims to create a comprehensive snapshot of Moroccan society. This data plays a crucial role in shaping national priorities and policies. The HCP, echoing recommendations from the United Nations on population and housing censuses, outlines the following key objectives:
Counting Every Voice: Accurately determining the legal population at both national and local administrative levels.
Understanding Our Diversity: Gathering demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Morocco’s population, including housing conditions.
Building a Foundation for the Future: Establishing a sampling framework for future household surveys, ensuring continuity in data collection.
Embracing Technology for a More Accurate Census
The 2024 census marks a significant leap forward in methodology and technology. A new information system integrates all data collection processes, featuring:
Mobile Geographic Information System: Enabling precise location mapping for each household.
CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing): Using electronic tablets for standardized data collection, minimizing errors.
Web-Based Monitoring Platform: Providing real-time oversight of field operations for enhanced efficiency.
This digital transformation, coupled with a complete enumeration of households and individuals, promises higher data quality and reduced operational costs.
What’s in a Question? A Look at the Census Forms
The census employs two types of questionnaires:
Short Form: Distributed to all households, covering basic demographic and housing information.
Long Form: Used for all households in communities with fewer than 2,000 households. In larger communities, a randomly selected sample of 20% of households will receive this form.
The long form delves deeper, encompassing all topics
