Chapter 1 

Introduction

This fifth volume of the final report on the Census of Population and Housing presents some of the salient findings on migration, activity limitations, the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes as well as responses to a sundry number of Census questions. In line with previous volumes in this series, this chapter provides some useful background information on some of the themes being presented in this volume.

1.1 Migration

For the first time ever, the Census of Population and Housing 1995 sought to collect information on returned migration as well as internal migration. In this context two questions asking respondents to provide information on their place of residence a year and five years before Census day were included in the Census questionnaire.

1.1.1 Return Migration

A returned migrant was defined as a Maltese national who returned to Malta with the intention of settling here after having previously lived permanently in a foreign country.

1.2 Activity Limitations

Information was collected on persons with long-term physical and mental conditions and health problems that limit a person's level of activity either at home, at school/work or in other activities.

1.3 Long-term Limitations

Repondents to the question dealing with long-term limitations were asked to answer 'yes' to the relevant question if they suffered from any one or a multiple of the following conditions: (a) impaired eyesight (someone who can only recognise a friend from a distance of one metre or less); (b) impaired hearing (someone who can only follow a TV programme with the volume turned up); (c) incontinence (someone who loses control over his/her bladder at least once a month); (d) an amputation of a body part which results in a handicap; (e) mental disability; (f) an inability to move around without help; (g) an inability to dress up without help; (h) an inability to wash oneself without help; (i) an inability to feed oneself without help; (j) an inability to use a toilet without help.

1.4 Smoking

As in the 1985 Census, information was collected on the smoking habits of the population once again. Information was collected on those: (a) who never smoked; (b) who used to smoke in the past but stopped and (c) who were still smoking on Census day. Information on the average number of cigarettes smoked dailed was collected from the smokers group.

1.5 Alcohol Consumption

For the first time ever, this Census sought to collect information on alcohol consumption among the population. Respondents were requested to indicate the average number of wine (glasses), beer (small bottles) and other spirits (tots) which they usually consumed every week.

1.6 Daily Journey to Place of work or Study

Information was collected on the means of transport which economically active persons or stundents attending an educational institution used to commute between his/her home and his/her place of work or study. Information on the means that was most often used was collected. Moreover, only information on the outward journey was sought. No data on the return journey was collected.

Volume 5 Tales
Migration, Returned Emigrants and Miscellaneous

Volume 5 Chapter 2: Commentary