Question

How often does the Census Bureau take a complete population count ?

• A. Every ten years
• B. Every five years
• C. Every two years
• D. Every year

Hint:

The term "decennial census" is standard terminology referring to the 10-year cycle used for population counts globally.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A census is a complete, systematic count and recording of the demographic and socio-economic data of all individuals in a population at a specific point in time.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us look at the standard practice for conducting a national census:
- Because a census requires collecting data from every single household in a country, it is extremely expensive and logistically complex.
- To balance the need for updated data with cost and labor constraints, most nations (including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom) conduct a census once every ten years (a decennial census).
- Therefore, a complete population count is taken every ten years.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The census is taken every ten years, matching Option (A).