China Conducts 1982 Census

During 10 days in July, nearly a quarter of the human race was counted at the People's Republic of China as the world's most populous country held it's first modern census. Nearly 13 million (some 6 million trained census personnel and about 7 million volunteers) worked to make it a success. The 19 items on the census questionnaire produced comprehensive information about the educational level of the entire population, its rural-urban distribution and the success of the family planning programme. Responses were processed by the computers provided by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and while mainland China counted one thousand and eight billion (1.8 billion, US) people in its 29 provinces, full census results will take years to analyze.
A one-child family with their bicycle in Hohhot's central square. The bicycle is for most Chinese families the most common means of transportation. The Chinese government has made great efforts to curb the country's population growth by promoting the one-child family. Posters in the background provide information about the forthcoming census.