Have you received any text message from the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) recently? Are you wondering what that is about?

Here's what you need to know: the first phase of the Qatar Census 2020 has officially commenced.

The aim of the Census is to collect comprehensive and up-to-date data on individuals, families, buildings, and establishments in Qatar. 

During the first phase, surveyors will conduct field visits, carrying hand-held, electronic devices to verify data. The data will be fed into the PSA server every hour to ensure high security and confidentiality. 

The surveyor would not be able to retrieve or leak any of such information, PSA officials have confirmed. 

Additionally, during this phase of the Census, the surveyors will distribute brochures with all the necessary details on the 2020 census and its importance for realizing development goals in all the areas of the country.

" تعداد ناجح ..لتنمية مستدامة " #تعداد_قطر_2020#census2020#جهاز_التخطيط_والإحصاء pic.twitter.com/HjAHOsV4VD

— جهاز التخطيط والإحصاء - قطر (@psa_qatar) November 21, 2019

Alternatively, individuals can also fill in their data electronically without the need for field surveyors via a link that will be sent to them, verified by a unique code. The online registration service will be available during the second phase of the census scheduled for March 2020. 

PSA has stressed that all the data collected during the general census of population, housing and establishments 2020 is for statistical purposes only.

In a statement, the PSA explained that the information and data will be published only as statistical tables whereas information about individuals will remain confidential according to law 2 of 2011 on Official Statistics.

The surveyors have started their field tours since November 11 intending to confirm the data available at the administrative records and to update and complete any missing information.

All citizens and residents have been urged to fully cooperate with the surveyors as part of their "national duty." 

A report of the PSA stressed that the 2020 census is set to be a quantum leap in the progress of Qatar Census, as it will be mainly based on the administrative records of the various government entities and departments of the country, which are considered the source of information for such an exercise.

The objective of this census is to construct a comprehensive central data record of the population, housing, and buildings and linked to a system that can update such data instantly.

This would ultimately reduce the need for field surveys and save time, effort and cost, making Qatar a pioneer country in this field.

The PSA considers the 2020 census as a key step forward toward realizing Qatar National Vision 2030, which requires clear, comprehensive and accurate statistics to guarantee the success of all strategic sectors.

The first survey by sample of the population of Qatar was done in 1970, followed by another survey on the social and economic characteristics in October 1981, according to PSA. 

The first comprehensive census of families, houses and buildings was conducted on March 16, 1986, followed by more comprehensive census and statistics at various periods.

The 2020 census will be carried out with the help of around 400 highly qualified field surveyors and supervisors of field teams.

The preparation for the 2020 census took more than two years.

For more information, individuals can call PSA on 8000800. 

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Source: Gulf Times