United States Census Bureau |
The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census) is a part of the United States Department of
Commerce. Its mission is defined in the Constitution of the United States, which directs that the population be enumerated at least once every ten years (through the U.S. Census), and the number of Representatives in Congress
determined accordingly. It also is in charge collecting statistics about the nation, its people, and economy.
The Census Bureau's establishment is codified in Title 13 of the United States Code.
Since 1903, the official census-taking organ of the United States government has been
the Bureau of the Census. The Bureau is headed by a Director, assisted by a Deputy Director and an Executive Staff composed of
the associate directors. The Bureau has 12 regional offices with additional processing centers set up temporarily for the
decennial censuses.
The sole purpose of the censuses and surveys is to secure general statistical information. Replies are obtained from
individuals and establishments only to enable the compilation of such general statistics. The confidentiality of these replies is
very important. By law, no one — neither the census takers nor any other Census Bureau employee — is permitted to
reveal identifiable information about any person, household, or business. However, for extremely small villages this is done
anyway, see below.
See also
Reference and external links
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