The 2010 Census interview period has been extended through the end of this month, Government announced yesterday.

The Statistics Department has previously stated a lack of enumerators and cooperation from parts of the community stymied its plan to have the count completed by Tuesday, August 31.

It announced yesterday that interviews for the 2010 Census of Population and Housing would continue until September 30.

Said a spokesperson: "The Statistics Department takes this opportunity to encourage the public's cooperation and participation in the 2010 Census."

Bermuda has approximately 30,000 residences all were to be included in the count.

Only 9,400 households had actually completed the interview as of last Friday approximately 31 percent of the total residences across the Island.

The census is taken every ten years in Bermuda. Its main aim is to keep track of how many people live on the Island.

Censuses are done around the world to help governments better allocate funds.

The government also collects data on age, race and employment and other details during the census.