Census Pre-activities

Tonga 2021 Population and Housing Census 

Pre-census activities are essential for ensuring the success and accuracy of the national census. These activities involve planning, preparation, and groundwork that enable smooth data collection and reliable results. 

1. Re-boundary of Census Blocks

To improve data collection efficiency and geographical accuracy, the department revised census block boundaries through the Tonga Statistical Geography Framework (TSGF) project. 

Objectives of Re-boundary: 

• Reduce the number of households per census block to manageable sizes (from 60–80 to 20–30 households). 

• Preserve comparability between old and new administrative boundaries. 

• Capture semi-village settlement boundaries for better data dissemination. 

Downloads: Reboundary

2. Household Listing Activity

Conducted in April 2021, this activity provided a pre-count of households across Tonga, helping estimate workloads and plan enumeration logistics. 

Key Outcomes: 

• Total Households Listed: 21,230  

• Private Households: 20,990 

• Institutions: 240 

• Trialed the revised statistical boundaries from the TSGF project. 

• Provided precise household locations for planning and future surveys. 

 Download: Listing

3. Timeline of Pre-Census Activities

4. Why These Activities Matter

Pre-census groundwork ensures: 

• Accurate population coverage 

• Efficient field operations 

• Reliable data for national planning and development 

These foundational steps are critical to the success of the census and the quality of the data it produces. 

Contact Person: Penisimani Lakai