Data collection for the 2026 Census of Population begins tomorrow, the Senate heard this morning.

Bermuda’s last census was conducted in 2016, when the island’s population was just below 64,000.

Lauren Bell, the Junior Minister of Economy and Labour, told the Upper House that the data will be collected through various methods, including online, telephone or personal interviews.

Strict confidentiality provisions under the Statistics Act 2002 will ensure that personal information is safeguarded and used in aggregate form only for statistical purposes.

She made the announcement as the island observed Census Day.

Ms Bell said for many residents, the quickest and most convenient way to complete the census will be via the e-census found at census.gov.bm.

“This can be done from the comfort of your own home,” she said, noting that households were mailed letters on May 11 outlining the steps to follow.

Computers are set up at the Department of Statistics for use by those without internet access.

Alternatively, residents can call the department and a staff member will assist in completing the census over the phone.

Eventually, interviewers will be in the field to sit with seniors and others who require more help, Ms Bell said.

She added: “One person can respond for a whole household, and you must include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home as of May 20, even if they are staying somewhere else temporarily.

“This includes babies, household members who are temporarily in the hospital, abroad for vacation, study or other purposes.”

The census — which is mandatory — is being held under the theme “Fill the Gap”.

Ms Bell said: “A national census is one of the most important exercises undertaken by any modern society.

“It is the only process that captures comprehensively, uniformly and reliably the full picture of who we are as a country.

“The census tells us how our population is changing, how our communities are evolving, and what our people need to thrive.

“In short, it allows us to fill the gap between assumptions and evidence.”