Technical Brief on the Implications of COVID-19 on Census

As the world grapples with the spread of COVID-19, UNFPA must address the implications of the outbreak on preparations and implementation of the 2020 census round. With 150 countries (including 85 UNFPA programme countries) scheduled to conduct census enumeration in 2020 and 2021, the potential disruption of the 2020 census round could be significant. The COVID-19 pandemic will threaten the successful conduct of censuses in many countries through delays, interruptions that compromise quality, or complete cancellation of census projects. Domestic and donor financing for census may be diverted to address COVID-19 leaving census without crucial funds. Several countries have already taken decisions to postpone the census, with many others yet to announce the way forward. This Brief provides information on:

1. A sample of countries already altering census plans in light of COVID-19
2. Key Recommendations and Resources
3. Sustaining UNFPA Census Capacity Strengthening in the Face of Travel Constraints
4. Advocacy
5. Potential long-term Financial Constraints
6. Operational Choices for Census
7. Risks Associated with the Interruption and Delay of Census Stages
8. Summary of Considerations and Recommendations