In 2010, the Argentine census coincided with the death of former President Néstor Kirchner. Ten years later, the covid-19 pandemic forced the great national questionnaire to be postponed. With more than a year and a half of delay, this Wednesday, May 18, Argentina will take a census of its entire population and obtain an updated X-ray of its inhabitants and the conditions in which they live. For the first time, residents have been able to answer questions in advance online. Around 40% of households have completed the digital census, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec), which will speed up the process. The 2022 census includes new questions on gender identity and ethnic self-recognition.
How many inhabitants did Argentina have when the last census was carried out?
On October 27, 2010, Argentina had 40,117,096 inhabitants. The population is estimated to have increased by more than five million in the last 12 years.
What time will the census take place?
On May 18, between eight in the morning and six in the afternoon, census takers will go from house to house to register its inhabitants.
How to identify census takers?
They will carry a credential with their name and surname, a vest that identifies them as census takers and a cloth bag with the logo of the operation in which they will transfer the questionnaires to be carried out.
What is the virtual census?
For the first time, Argentina offers the possibility of answering questions online instead of doing it in the presence of a census taker. The digital census can be completed until May 18 at eight in the morning. By answering all the questions, a code is generated that must be delivered to the census taker who shows up at the address.
Is it necessary to stay home?
Yes, although it is enough for a single member of the family to do so, as long as they are over 14 years of age and have the capacity to answer the questions. If the questions have been answered in advance, it will only be necessary to deliver the code. Otherwise, you will have to answer the entire questionnaire that the census taker takes.
Is it a holiday this May 18?
Yes. The Argentine Government decreed a holiday throughout the country. All activities are suspended, except for essential services guards. Restaurants, bars, cinemas and theaters will only be able to open after eight at night.
What kinds of questions does the census include?
There are a total of 61 questions divided into blocks. The questions about housing have to do with access to services such as running water, electricity, gas and internet, sanitary conditions and the number of rooms. The block on the inhabitants of the household focuses on the employment status of adults, educational level and health coverage.
How long does it take to respond to the census?
Around 15-20 minutes for a single person household and an extra ten minutes for each additional member.
What changes does this census have with respect to the previous ones?
In addition to the possibility of answering it online in advance, the census includes questions related to gender identity and ethnic self-recognition that were not in previous censuses. Regarding gender identity, the following response possibilities are offered: woman, trans woman/transvestite, male, trans male/trans masculinity, non-binary or other identity. Regarding ethnic self-recognition, the entire population of Argentina is asked if they identify as Afro-descendant or descendant of indigenous peoples.
Where are the people who live between two dwellings registered?
As it is a right census, it is necessary to take the census in the dwelling in which the most time is spent during the week. In the case of minors with separated parents who share a similar time in each house, the adults must choose one of the two.
Who is responsible for processing the data obtained?
The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses of Argentina.
When will the results be known?
On May 18 at night or the next day, the number of inhabitants of Argentina will be published. The first estimated census data will be available three months later and it is expected that after a year and a half all the information will be processed and made public.
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