• Census shows new trends

The population of Seychelles is now 90,945 people, says the 2010 population and housing census report released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) last week.
The number is made up of 46,912 or 51.6% males and 44,033 or 48.4% females.

The figures are from a national population census done between August 26 and 30, 2010.
The report says the census unveiled new trends in the population and covered aspects not included in earlier surveys.
There are more religious denominations, the survey covered fertility of girls aged 10 and not 15 as before and found houses more modern than during the earlier censuses, while fewer farmers are raring livestock, it says.

The main aims of the R3.7 million census were to give the government, policy makers, planners and researchers an update on the size and distribution of the population, “and its demographic and socio-economic characteristics”, says the NBS in the report.

For the first time, questions on disability and crime were also included in the census questionnaire. “The questions on disability sought to take stock and establish the profile of the population that had some form of physical and/or mental impairment either from birth of through accidents,” it says, giving the total number of people in this category as 2,169.

A total of 4,062 homes were affected by crime in the 12 months preceding the census targeted at a member of the household or their property. About 3,000 of the crimes were reported to the police.
Information on the housing stock, type, condition and tenure was also collected as well as amenities available in the households. Questions on economic activities carried out by the household related to agriculture and fishing and other home-based manufacturing activities.

“On the population characteristics, the most prominent change is the very apparent shift in religious affiliations. The 2010 census recorded over 30 religious denominations compared to fewer than 10 that existed in earlier censuses.

“Also apparent is the size and composition of non-Seychellois residents. Residents of Indian nationality make up slightly over 50% of the total non-Seychellois residents, a significant increase in representation compared to the 2002 census results. This is no surprise as they made up the bulk of workers in the construction industry.”

Females as young as 10 years of age compared to 15 years as in the earlier censuses earlier were asked questions on fertility because girls as young as 10 years have become mothers in recent years.
The results show “an obvious shift in line with house modernisation”.

“As society aspires to improve living conditions and new patterns in lifestyle, they move away from tradition. The change in housing construction depicts this shift very clearly where the type of housing construction has changed from wood to stone or blocks, with palm and lattice houses now being a thing of the past. Similarly, there is a marked increase in the use of modern telecommunication technology, household amenities and ownership of assets.

“Agricultural activities are on the decline, particularly in the area of raising of livestock where the drop is quite dramatic. However, where crop production is concerned, households still grow some vegetables and/or fruit as well as staples.”

More households own fishing gear and do fishing activities for pleasure, compared to the 2002 census, says the report.

Forrás: www.nation.sc