The Department of Statistics, in conjunction with the Department of Social Services is conducting a Household Expenditure Survey (HES). This survey is designed to gather, study and analyse information on the expenditure patterns of residents in The Bahamas and to obtain information on the relative levels of well-being, especially the poor.
The HES has two main objectives:
it is designed to collect information from the country’s households and families on their buying habits, income and other characteristics
it allows data users to relate the expenditures and income to the characteristics of those same consumers
The survey is conducted in order to provide:
Weights for the Consumer Price Index, which measures the changes in the prices of goods and services bought by households.
Estimates on private consumption in National Accounts, which provides inputs for the compilation of National Accounts for the Department of Statistics.
Data for poverty studies and welfare comparisons, analysis of the data facilitates measurement of differences in the consumption patterns of different population groups and related changes over time. It also allows for the calculation of the poverty line of the country.
Data for better economic and social planning along with information to assess the cost of health services and the level of satisfaction of the population with its provisions.
Data for market research.
Data collected are used for international comparisons by such agencies as The United Nations (UN), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Bank.
The Household Expenditure Survey will be conducted February 11, 2013 to March 31, 2013. There will be over 2000 households surveyed with all of the major islands being included in the exercise. Approximately 350 households from Grand Bahama and over 150 households from Abaco and Bimini have been randomly selected to be enumerated.
Any questions and/or concerns can be directed to the Department of Statistics, 352-7196, contact persons Mrs. Clara Lowe, Assistant Director, Ms. Tonya T. Butler, Execution Officer or Ms. R. Kendra Russell, Area Manager.
By Bahamas Information Services