[25 December 2004] The republic of Yemen has launched the general census of population and houses counting on the eve of Dec.17,2004 . This is the second census since the country re-unification in May 1990, but it is the fourth one in Yemen.

Yemen had never experienced the Census before the Yemeni revolution in September 1962 and October 1967. The UN had estimated Yemen's population over the period 1950s - 1970 at 4.3 million of the south and north parts.

The first census took place in the southern part of the country in 1973. The total population reached to (1,590,275), whereas first census in the northern part conducted in 1975. The total figure of population came up to (6,492,530).

Ever since the census frequently repeated every 10 years. It was estimated that the population's total number had increased from (4.3) million in 1950 up to (8) million in 1975, with annual growth rate ran up to (1,9%).

The second general census took place in Yemen in the 1980s of the past century. The census held in 1986 in the north of the country.Total number of the population came up to (9,274,173).
In the southern part it took place in 1988 and the population calculated around (2,345,266).The annual growth rate of population estimated at 3,3%.

During the 1990s the growth average of population had broken the record when it had jumped up to 5,6% due to the return of the Yemeni emigrants. The population had increased during 1986 - 1990 with some 2,5 million.

The third census took place in Yemeni 1994, it was the first one in the Yemeni single state. Total figure of population reached to (14,587,807), with annual growth average up to 3,7%.

Based on this growth percentage, the population of Yemen is expected to redouble over 15 years. This is the highest percent around the world.

The current census of population and houses counting aims at providing a comprehensive data base includes: the size of population, annual growth rate, demographic distribution, the gender and age structure segments in addition to the social, economic and demographic features of the population as well as the quality and standards of houseS and installationS in Yemen.

Thus , this census will help bringing up a data base for defining the Millennium indicators and poverty reducing strategy. The total number of Yemen s population in 2004 is expected to come up to 21,1 million, basing on the annual statistics book of 2003, issued by the Central Statistical Organization
Saba