Censuses provide population numbers, household or family size and composition, and information on sex and age distribution. They often include other demographic, economic and health-related topics as well. The 1981 Pakistan de facto and de jure census collected data through face-to-face interviews. The housing census fieldwork was conducted in December of 1980. The population census day was March 1, 1981 and the fieldwork continued until March 15. In addition to a housing and building list and a housing questionnaire, a short form questionnaire was administered to approximately 90% of the population and a long form questionnaire was administered to the remaining population.