1733 Oportian Census

The 1733 Oportian Census was the national census conducted by the government of Oportia to count the population and collect demographic data following a significant expansion in territory. The previous census was held in 1716 AN recorded a population of 7,803,733. Since then, no official census had been undertaken until 1733 AN, during which time Oportia doubled in territory and expanded greatly. The 1733 AN census registered a total of 16,155,913 residents in Oportia.

Background

Following the territorial expansion of Oportia in Operation Verdant Reach (1729 AN-1731 AN), the need for a new census became apparent to address the demographic changes and facilitate better governance. New cities had risen and there was a great need to take the opportunity to formally incorporate the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration. Under the Montijo administration, the City-State Devolution Reform Act, 1731 was passed, which was a comprehensive reform of the territorial organization of Oportia. The bill integrated several new federal cities and instituted a transition period for the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration, leading to its full incorporation into Oportia. This also prompted significant structural reforms that expanded the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and seat apportionment.

The City-State Devolution Reform Act, 1731 established the Bureau of National Statistics (OBNS) under the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs. The Act commissioned the OBNS to carry out a national census before the 1734 general election between early 1732 AN and mid 1733 AN. The Act also stipulated that all people in Oportia 18 and older be legally obligated to answer census questions and to do so truthfully.

On census reference day, 15.I.1733 AN, the resident population (all of the federal cities and the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration excluding military members and civilian Oportian citizens living abroad) was projected to be 15.98 million residents. The final certified count for 1733 AN was 16,155,913 residents.

Purpose

Reapportionment

The results of the 1733 census determine the number of seats for each of the federal cities of Oportia in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate for the upcoming elections in 1734 AN. The census results were also used by federal cities and local officials to redraw boundaries for districts such as congressional districts (redistricting), state legislative districts, and school districts.

Federal Funding Distribution

Dozens of federal block-grant programs use the data obtained from the census to help direct funding to city-states and local areas.

Conduct

The 1733 census is the 3rd official census of the State of Oportia. Census Day, the reference day used for the census, was 15.I.1733 AN. This was the first census held by Oportia that offered people options to respond through the internet or by phone, in addition to the mail or paper response form used in previous censuses.

The census began in late 1732 AN and continued through early 1733 AN and was conducted by the Bureau of National Statistics (OBNS). It aimed to provide comprehensive data on the population distribution, age, gender, employment, and other vital statistics to help in policymaking and economic planning.

Results

The 1733 census reported a significant increase in the population. The total population of Oportia was counted at 16,155,913 residents. This growth from the last census was attributed to natural population growth and a substantial influx of settlers and development in the newly incorporated territories.

Criticism and Issues

While the census provided valuable information, it faced challenges such as reaching remote areas and accurately counting nomadic communities.

See Also

• Federal Congress of Oportia
• Senate of Oportia
• Chamber of Deputies of Oportia
• Government and politics of Oportia