A census is a systematic process of collecting and recording information about the members of a population. This usually includes details like age, gender, occupation, and living conditions. Governments conduct censuses to understand the demographics of their citizens, which helps in planning services like schools, hospitals, and roads. Every ten years, many countries, including the United States, carry out a national census. The data gathered is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring that resources are allocated fairly. It also plays a significant role in determining political representation and funding for various community programs.