Which data category includes age, sex, and ethnicity used by governments for policy planning?

• A. Census Data
• B. Economic Data
• C. Environmental Data
• D. Survey Data

Answer: (A)

Demographic information such as age, sex, and ethnicity is collected in a population census because it aims to count every person and classify them in standard categories. Governments use this comprehensive tally to plan services, allocate resources, and shape policy decisions—like determining how many schools, clinics, and social programs are needed in different areas and ensuring fair representation across regions. Economic data, environmental data, and survey data each serve different purposes: economic data tracks income and employment, environmental data covers natural resources and conditions, and surveys often sample a subset of the population. The census uniquely provides a complete demographic snapshot, including age, sex, and ethnicity, for broad policy planning.