Vientiane: The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB), Ministry of Finance, has commenced the final field test for the 5th Population and Housing Census (PHC), marking the final phase of the 3 years census preparation before full-scale data collection on 3rd November this year.

According to Lao News Agency, the final field test, scheduled to run from 4 to 8 August in Vientiane and Bokeo province, aims to examine all aspects of the census operations, particularly the functionality of new tools for data collection from collective living quarters and residents of the Special Economic Zones.

With support from UNFPA and development partners, the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) has been preparing for the census since 2021. Over the past few years, LSB has completed major milestones in census preparation, including design of data collection applications, GIS mapping, as well as communication strategy and quality assurance tools. This final test marks the last phase of census preparation before the main data collection begins.

The Lao PDR conducts a Population and Housing Census every 10 years in accordance with the Lao Statistics Law. Key data to be collected includes population data disaggregated by sex, age, ethnic groups, geographical areas, educational status, labour force, disability, migration, birth and death, civil registration, as well as information on housing and infrastructure.

This data will provide a comprehensive baseline for the government to track progress in the implementation of the national development plan. In addition, the census data will enable the government to track progress in its global commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, designed to ensure no one is left behind.

Mrs. Phetsamone Sone, Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB), Ministry of Finance, said that checking the readiness of the tools was an important stage in the census preparation. This test will help identify ways to finalize the process of the first digital census before the main enumeration takes place at the end of this year.

“This final field test marks a crucial stage in preparing for the 5th Population and Housing Census. This exercise allows us to check the readiness of all tools and improve the system to ensure effective information collection at the end of this year. On behalf of the Census Steering Committee, I urge relevant stakeholders and citizens to actively cooperate with the staff in the field conducting this final test.”

Mr. Kambiz Kabiri, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, stated that UNFPA was proud to work closely with the Lao Statistics Bureau and partners to support the first-ever digital census in the Lao PDR.

“UNFPA is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) in this crucial endeavour. Our ultimate goal in supporting the 5th Population and Housing Census in Laos is to achieve a comprehensive and high-quality census, which serves as a powerful tool for national development and planning. The data generated will not only inform policies and plans but also contribute to the improvement of the statistical system in the Lao PDR. We commend the LSB and development partners for their commitment and look forward to the successful completion of the final field test.”