21.02.2011 An introduction to Scotland's Census 2011
Every household in Scotland will receive a questionnaire which asks 13 questions about the household and up to 35 questions about each household member. These include questions about work, education, national identity, ethnic background, language, health and marital status.
Household questionnaires are 28 pages long - four pages of questions per person, for up to five people, plus the household questions and guidance notes.
The household questionnaire can normally be filled in online using the internet access code printed on the front page.
People in residential establishments such as student halls or care homes will receive questionnaires for completion on an individual basis.
Questionnaires will be delivered in March. These can be filled in and returned as soon as they arrive – provided your answers cover the people living or staying with you on the night of 27 March.
There is a legal requirement to complete the 2011 Census questionnaire and taking part is the best way to avoid the risk of a fine of up to £1,000.
Your personal information is kept confidential for 100 years by the Registrar General.
Scotland's Census is run by the General Register Office for Scotland.
You can view a translated questionnaire online.
The translation will help you to fill in the questionnaire in English. Most of the questions are multiple choice and can be answered by simply ticking a box.
If you need help to fill in the questionnaire, please ask the census taker. Or you can look on the website or call our helpline which can reply in languages other than English.
Why is the census so special?
Duncan Macniven, Registrar General, said:
"The census is unique because it is the only survey to include everyone in the country. It asks the same questions of us all and in doing so builds a reliable picture of Scotland as a whole, as well as groups of people and local communities within it.
"The answers people give to each question produce a rich source of statistics that helps inform how billions of pounds worth of services are spent. For example, by telling us that you live in a rural community and that you don’t have a car, you highlight the need for local public transport. Or by telling us that you are a pensioner who lives alone and has a health condition, you highlight the potential need for community health provision in your area.
“This helps central and local government, health authorities, businesses and community groups to target resources to where they are needed."
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