Census launch

The government will launch the 2011 census today, with an advertising campaign to raise awareness of the nationwide survey.

The census compiles information on the size and nature of the country's population and takes place once a decade.

The 32-page survey will include questions on nationality, ethnicity, faith, marital status, educational qualifications and job titles.

This year it will include new questions on civil partnerships, second homes and recent migration. There will not be questions on income, sexual orientation or the nature of any disability.

Some 35,000 jobs have been created to monitor and collect the census, which is expected to cost £482 million.

Census Day will take place on March 27th and failure to complete the census could result in a fine up to £1000.