Sunday is officially Scotland Census Day.
People across the country need to provide answers that are used to build an image of the population and plan public services.
More than one million households around the country have already completed the census, which was delayed from 2021 to March 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Census day is March 20, but households have been able to complete their return since February 28.
People do not have to fill out their census on a Sunday, but they are asked to fill out the form as soon as possible with information that is correct from census day – as the aim is to give Scotland a snapshot on that day.
Letters were issued to more than 2.7 million households, representing 5.5 million people.
What is the census?
The census is the official count of every person and household in the country.
A census of the population has been conducted every 10 years in Scotland since 1801, with the exception of 1941, due to World War II, and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why do I have to do it?
The census helps the Scottish Government, councils and other service providers plan and make decisions about how public money is spent on major services in Scottish communities, including schools, roads and hospitals.
The unique number will also be used to plan public services, documenting the population density throughout Scotland.
In addition, it will help local authorities make decisions about where to allocate extra resources in areas such as social care and mental health care.
What happens if I do not complete the census?
It is a legal responsibility to complete the census and every household in Scotland is required to complete the questionnaire.
People can be convicted if they refuse to fill out the questionnaire, neglect to answer a question, give a wrong answer or sign a wrong document.
In some cases, people can get a criminal record and a fine of up to £ 1000.
What will I be asked?
The census will ask questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay, household, age, gender, health and employment status.
New questions for the 2022 census include the use of British Sign Language (BSL), passport holdings, sexual orientation, trans status and former Army service history.
A last-ditch effort to stop Scots from self-identifying their gender at the census was rejected.
Fair Play for Women lost its appeal against a decision by Lord Sandison, who ruled the transgender person should give a different gender response to their birth certificate without the need for a gender recognition certificate (GRC).
How do I fill out the form?
You can fill out the census online here – you will need the unique access code on the letter sent to you to begin the process.
Letters were sent to households in February and paper questionnaires are available to those who wish to use them.
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