Fact box: What is the national census?

Why is it significant?

Since the 1950s, central government has conducted seven national censuses.

The findings can shed light on the country's demographic changes over time, and are closely watched as vital references for policymaking, ranging from birth to eldercare to employment.

For example, the 2010 census shone a light on the accelerating aging process and prompted authorities to begin to relax the one-child policy.