How we collect data
Censuses & surveys
The national census and the major household surveys conducted by NSO with its development partners.
The National Statistical Office collects data directly from households, businesses and communities through censuses and sample surveys. These collections are the foundation of Papua New Guinea’s population, social and economic statistics. Every response is confidential under the Statistical Services Act.
National Population & Housing CensusCounting every person in Papua New Guinea — the 2024 census and the censuses of 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2011.Learn more 
Demographic and Health SurveyFertility, family planning, maternal and child health, nutrition and HIV awareness — the 2016–18 PNG DHS.Learn more 
Household Income and Expenditure SurveyIncome, spending and living standards of PNG households — the 2009–10 HIES and planning for the next round.Learn more 
Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey (SDES)The 2022 SDES: population estimates, demographic characteristics, functional difficulty, education, labour force, fertility, migration and housing.Learn more 
Population Data Collection and AssessmentModelled population estimates, data literacy and the demographic dividend — a programme with UNFPA.Learn more
