Learn in the textbookPopulation and Sampling
DefinitionThe national census (国勢調査) is a government statistical survey that covers every person and household living in the country, and it is the classic example of a complete survey, which examines the entire target group.
ExplanationIn Japan it is held every 5 years in principle, producing figures such as population and household composition that underpin government planning and other statistics. Because the target is so large, it takes a great deal of staff and time from preparation to the publication of results.
AnalogyIt is like a school health checkup that measures the height of every student and records them all in a roster.
Memory hookIn Japanese, 国勢 means the state of the nation, its people and households. To capture that whole picture, everyone has to be counted.