Introduction
Since 1801, every ten years the nation has set aside one day for the census - a count of all people and households. It is the most complete source of information about the population that we have. The latest census was held on Sunday 27 March 2011.
Every effort is made to include everyone, and that is why the census is so important. It is the only survey which provides a detailed picture of the entire population, and is unique because it covers everyone at the same time and asks the same core questions everywhere. This makes it easy to compare different parts of the country.
The information the census provides allows central and local government, health authorities and many other organisations to target their resources more effectively and to plan housing, education, health and transport services for years to come.
In England and Wales, the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics. Elsewhere in the UK, responsibility lies with the General Register Office for Scotland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
Release Schedule
Due to sheer size of the 2011 Census results, the statistics on the main resident population base will be released in four stages.
First release: 16 July 2012
Age and sex, and occupied households estimates for England and for Wales
Second release: November 2012 - February 2013
Key and Quick statistics
Third release: March 2013 - June 2013
Local Characteristics
Fourth release: July 2013 - October 2013
Detailed Characteristics, Theme and Armed Forces