Here's why:
* Comprehensive: A census aims to count every single person within the country's borders.
* Data Collection: It gathers demographic information like age, gender, ethnicity, occupation, education, marital status, and more.
* Governmental: Censuses are typically conducted by national governments to understand the characteristics and needs of their population.
* Periodic: Censuses are usually conducted at regular intervals, often every 10 years, to track population changes and trends.
Other related terms:
* Demography: The study of population statistics and dynamics.
* Socioeconomic Survey: A study that collects data on people's living conditions, income, and access to services.
While a census is the primary official study, other research and surveys can also contribute to our understanding of a country's population.