The Census Records contain the official statistics of the population of The Bahamas. Generally speaking the census is an aggregate one focusing on numbers within given age groups, religious affiliations, occupation, gender and nationality.

Prior to the establishment of the Department of Statistics in 1968, the Colonial Secretary's Office was responsible for the census records. Records from both these agencies have been deposited in the Department of Archives. They span the period 1901 - 1980. Census reports on population and agriculture can also be located in the Bahamas Blue Book 1934 - 1940 and the Colonial Annual Report 1881 - 1965.

Two sets of enumerators' papers are included in the Colonial Secretary's records. These are the 1891 and 1953 working papers. The latter deposit which is largest contains valuable information such as the names, address, age, birth date and place, occupation or profession, religious affiliations, literacy and race of the people. Although the 1953 records would be an asset to genealogists they are not open to public use until 50 years have passed.

For additional information re: the name of individuals, researchers should see The Early Settlers by A. T. Bethel, Records of Some Southern Loyalists by Lydia Austin Parish. The American Loyalists by Thelma Peters, The Loyalists in the West Indies by Lorenzo Sabine and The Wyannie Malone Genealogy Vol. 1 by McAleer and McAleer.