The very importance of population data in the formulation of government policies up to their implementation and monitoring can never be over‐emphasized. Population data provides essential information which is used in the preparation of efficient and effective development programs for the welfare of the people.   Lack of up‐to‐date and accurate data hinders any development of an area since data are important for evidence‐based planning, programme development, and project monitoring.    Recognizing this need as well as considering that the last census of population was carried out in 1979,    the Socio‐Demographic and Economic Survey (SDES) was conceptualized by the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as the alternative way of collecting information that would address the data gap at the local level.