# Presentation: 657826

## An Overview:Census 2000 and Its Data Products

**Notes:**
This is the one hands-OFF presentation where you get lectured to, in the old fashioned way!

Today we’ll look at the Census 2000, changes to some questions, and the products.

## Census 2000Short Form and Long Form

**Short form**

**Long form**

**Notes:**

The Census Bureau used two different forms to collect Census 2000 data. 

A  short form with seven basic questions went to all households and a long form with these same questions and additional questions went to a sample of households. 

The information that is tabulated from the questions asked of every person and housing unit is called the100-percent or short-form data. 

The long-form questionnaire included the same seven population and housing questions plus additional inquiries.  This is called either the sample data, or the long-form data.

DEFINITIONS:
100% Data - Population and housing information collected for all living quarters in the United States. 
Census - A complete enumeration (count) of a population or  the business and commercial establishments, farms, or governments in an area. 
Long form - The decennial census questionnaire containing 100 percent and sample questions. 
Sample data - Detailed social, economic, and housing information collected on the long form from a selected portion of all housing units and people living in group quarters. The 1990 census sampled approximately 15 percent  of the nation's population and 16 percent of its  housing units. See 100 percent data.
Short form -  The decennial census questionnaire containing only the 100 percent questions. 

## For the U.S. as a whole, about one in six households received the long-form questionnaire.  

- For the U.S. as a whole, about one in six households received the long-form questionnaire.

******

**Notes:**
To collect the long form data, Census 2000 implemented a variable rate sampling plan.  Use of variable sampling rates allows for more efficient allocation of the sample, and maintains the accuracy and reliability of census data at small geographic levels (block groups, census tracts, and small communities).

This rate varied from 1 in 2 households in some smaller areas, to 1 in eight for more densely populated areas.
The overall sampling rate is 1-in-6 households, or 17%.  

## Census 2000 Short Form Questionnaire

**7 Questions**
-   **Name**
-   **Sex**
-   **Age**
-   **Relationship**
-   **Hispanic Origin**
-   **Race**
-   **Owner/Renter Status**

**Notes:**

Lets take a look at the questionnaire and how the questions were formatted and organized.

The seven questions answered by each household were, as you see, name, sex, age, relationship (to householder), hispanic origin, race, and owner/renter status -- whether you own your home or rent.

**Census 2000: ****Hispanic or Latino**

**Notes:**
In 1990 the Hispanic Origin question was question #7, and race was question #4.

For Census 2000, the Hispanic origin question was moved up to be asked immediately before the question on race.  While that seems like a simple change, simply having the two questions together makes a difference in responses.

## Changed Question on Race

**Notes:**
Fro Question #5, on race, respondents selected one or more races,  and filled in the race category that best described them.  
For the 1990 Census, the category was “Asian and Pacific Islander.”   For Census 2000 this was split into two categories:
	Asian, and 
	Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

The result is that there are now 6 main race categories:
• White
• Black or African American
• American Indian and Alaska Native	
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• Some other race

Write-in entries such as multi-racial, mixes, interracial, or a Hispanic or Latino group are included in the “some other race” category.

43 percent of  Hispanics or Latinos classified themselves as “Some Other Race”

97 percent of people who reported as “Some Other Race” were Hispanic or Latino.

## Race and Ethnicity Tabulation Categories

**Single-Race**
**Two or more races**
**All-Inclusive Race**

**Notes:**
These changes resulted in changes in how the data is presented.  
There are three categories, reflected on this slide.
Single race is pretty straight forward.  You have:
    White alone
    Black or African American alone
    American Indian & Alaska Native alone
    Asian alone
    Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander alone
    Some Other Race alone

All inclusive race, however, has 
    White alone or in combination
    Black or African American alone or in combination
    American Indian & Alaska Native alone or in combination
    Asian alone or in combination
    Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander alone or in combination
    Some Other Race alone or in combination

##    The six race alone groups and the two or more races group, when combined, add up to 100 percent of the population.

**Population by Race and Hispanic Origin**

- 100% population

**Notes:**
The closest comparison between 1990 and 2000 race numbers is to take the 2000 categories for the six race alone groups, and the two or more races group.  This adds up to 100 percent of the population.

## Grandparents as Caregivers

- New Question
**Presence of grandchildren **
**Responsibility for basic needs**
**How long responsible for needs**

**Notes:**

There is one new item -- as required by the welfare reform act--concerning grandparents as care givers.

The question asks whether there are grandchildren living in the house, whether the grandparent is responsible for most of the basic needs of any of the grandchildren who live in the house, and how long the grandparent has been responsible for these grandchildren.

## Disability

**Revised Question**
**Vision or hearing impairment**
**Mobility limitation**
**Condition that limits**:
**Learning or remembering**
**Getting around house**
**Getting around outside**
**Working**

**Notes:**

The question on disability has been expanded to cover vision and hearing impairment, and disabilities associated with learning and remembering, 

This is in addition to the 1990 questions on work and mobility disability and the need for assistance with every day activities

## What Data Will Be Available?

**100% data or short-form information**
- Redistricting Summary File
- Summary File 1
- Summary File 2
**Sample data or long-form information**** **
- Summary File 3
- Summary File 4

**Notes:**
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the changes to the questions, what about the data?
Census 2000 information is released on in a series of summary files.  The summary files are basically a set of predefined tables for various levels of geography. 

Information from the short-form questions (100% data) is released first. Short-form information is included in the Redistricting Summary File, and Summary Files 1 and 2.  Long form information is included in Summary Files 3 and 4.

SPEAKERS NOTES: (Only if asked) The sample information takes longer to process. Special coding for write-in entries (place of work, ancestry, occupation) is required. 

## Redistricting Summary File

**Total population and 18-and-over population by 63 race categories and Hispanic/Latino**
**Lowest level of geography: block**
**1 or more CDs per state; 3 DVDs**
**Race and Hispanic or Latino Summary File (National File)**

**Notes:**
Let’s turn our attention to some specific products:
One of the first products released was the Redistricting Summary File, used by states to redraw legislative district boundaries. The Redistricting File contains very detailed race data down to the census block.  
Because of the new Federal guidelines for how data on race should be collected and tabulated, people could check as many of the racial categories as were necessary to identify themselves on the census questionnaire.  
As a result, some of the race tabulations will be very detailed.   This file will contain tables down to the block level showing the total population and the population18-and-over for 63 race categories and for the Hispanic or Latino population. 
The file is available on the Internet and on CD-ROM.

## 100% Summary Files

**Summary File 1 (SF1)**
**About 300 tables**
**Counts and cross tabulations **
**Counts for detailed race, Hispanic or Latino groups, and American Indian/Alaska Native tribes (to the tract)**
**Tables repeat for major race groups alone, two or more races, Hispanic or Latino, White not Hispanic or Latino**
**Geography: block, census tract**

**Notes:**
Summary File 1 provides various counts and some cross-tabulations of the data that was collected from every person and housing unit in about 285 tables. 

Information is available down to the block level as well as for other geographic levels including Zip Code Tabulation Areas and Congressional districts. 

Median age, household size, tenure by age of householder, group quarters population, etc. are some of the data items that will be available on this file.

Some tables will only be available at the tract level including counts for detailed race groups in the PCT tables.

## 100% SF1 Subject Content 

**171  Population tables (P) at block level**
**  ****56  Housing tables (H) at block level**
**  ****59  Population tables (PCT) at census ****	****       tract level**

-  **286  Tables**

**Notes:**

There is a total of 171 population tables (identified with a “P”),  56 housing tables (identified with an “H”) shown down to the block level, and 59 population tables to the census tract level (identified with a “PCT”) for a total of 286 tables. 

Some tables are repeated for the major race and Hispanic and Latino categories.  There are 14 population tables and 4 housing tables shown down to the block level, and 4 population tables shown down to the census tract level. 

Finally, SF 1 includes population and housing characteristics for the total population.  And SF 1 also has population totals for an extensive list of race (American Indian and Alaska Native categories, Asian, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander) and Hispanic or Latino groups, and population and housing characteristics for a limited list of race and Hispanic or Latino groups.  These are in the PCT tables.

Speakers Notes: Population and housing items may be cross tabulated. Information can be can be downloaded, sorted and filtered to accommodate the needs of individual users.
Note: As part of Federal guidelines on collecting and presenting data on race, the Federal Office of Management and Budget requires agencies to use a minimum of five categories; White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. The Census Bureau, with OMB approval, included Some Other Race as a sixth race category on the Census 2000 questionnaire.

## Examples of SF1 Tabulations

**P1 ****	****Total population  (1)**
**P3****	****Race (71)**
**P8****	****Hispanic or Latino (17)**
**P12****	****Sex by age (5-year groupings) (49)**
**P14****	****Sex by age for the population    ****	****	****under 20 (single years of age) (43)**
**P15****	****Households (1)**
**P17****	****Average household size (1)**

**Notes:**
Here you see examples of the kinds of tabulations available in SF1.

The number in parentheses after the table name indicate how many “break out” tables there are.  
Table P1 provides the total population count for the geographic area.  Table P3 provides population counts by 71 single or multiple race categories.
Table P8 shows the number of persons that indicated Hispanic or Latino origin by 7 race categories 
P12 shows the number of males and females in 5-year age categories (85 and over is the upper limit).
Table P14 shows the number of males and females in single years of age categories, but only for the population under 20 years.

SPEAKERS NOTES: Tables are labeled: P1, P1A,  PCT1, PCT1A, H1, H11A.

P =  population; P1A = population repeated; PCT1 = population at tract level; PCT1A = population at tract level repeated; H1 = housing; H11A = housing repeated.

## SF1 RepeatingTabulations

**SF1 Repeating****Tabulations**

**5-year **
**groupings**

**Notes:**
There are nine repeating tabulations for the population subjects.  

For example, Table P12, sex by age, is tabulated by male and female and by age and race, in five-year age groupings (5 to 9 year; 10 to 14 years, etc.). These same tables are then repeated – reiterated - for 9 race and Hispanic groups – Tables 12A through   12 I

You can see White alone, Black or African American alone,  and so on.

## SF2 Subject Content 

**36  Population tables at census tract (PCT) level**
**11  Housing tables (HCT) at census tract (HCT) **

**Notes:**
Summary File 2 presents 100% data in 36 population tables (matrices) identified with “PCT” and 11 housing tables identified with “HCT.”  The extension “CT” indicates the data is released to the Census Tract level.

Depending on the media used, you select the group – one of the 250 race, Hispanic or Latino-origin groups, and American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes either first, or later in the process. 

## SF2 Racial/Ethnic Groups 

**Detailed American Indian categories**
**Detailed Alaska Native categories**
**Detailed Asian categories**
**Detailed Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander categories**
**Hispanic or Latino categories**
**Not Hispanic or Latino categories**

**Notes:**
There are 70 detailed American Indian categories, 8 detailed Alaska Native tribe categories, 38 detailed Asian categories, 20 detailed Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander categories, 25 detailed Hispanic or Latino groups and 14 Not Hispanic or Latino groups. 

SPEAKER NOTE: A population threshold of 100 was set for SF2. The matrices on this file will be shown only if the population of the race/Indian tribe/Hispanic group/Asian, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, etc. in a particular geographic area is 100 or more. If the population threshold of 100 is met, data is included for the entire set of matrices, even though the universe for some matrices (such as households) may be below 100.

## Some Population Subjects	at the Census Tract Level

**PCT1 ****	****Total population**
**PCT3****	****Sex by age (single year of ****	****age)**
**PCT4****	****Median age by sex**
**PCT5****	****Sex by age (5-year groupings)**
**PCT7****	****Population in household**
**PCT8****	****Average household size**
**PCT9****	****Household size, household ****	****type and presence of own ****	****children**

**Notes:**
Here are some examples of the 36 tabulations available in Summary File 2 for the population subjects.

Table PCT1 provides the total population count for the geographic area.
Table PCT3 provides population counts for sex by age in single years of age up to 99 years, thereafter by 5-year groupings.
Table PCT4 shows the median age by sex for both sexes, male and female.
PCT5 shows the population in households by gender, in 5-year age categories (85 and over is the upper limit).
Table PCT7 shows population in households
PCT8 presents the average household size
PCT9 looks at household size, household type and presence of own children.

## Some Housing Subjects	at the Census Tract Level

**HCT2****	****Tenure**
**HCT3****	****Total population in occupied ****	****housing units**
**HCT4****	****Total population in occupied ****	****housing units by tenure**

**Notes:**
There are eleven tables on housing subjects which provide data on the number of housing units, household size, and whether the units are occupied or vacant.  A few are shown here.

• HCT2 addresses tenure in occupied housing units, whether the housing unit is   owner occupied or renter occupied. 
• HCT3 shows the population in occupied housing units.
• HCT4 provides numbers on the total population in occupied housing units by tenure (owner occupied or renter occupied).

## Sample Data Summary Files

**Summary File 3**
**813 tables of data **
**Counts and cross tabulations of sample items (income, occupation, education, rent and value, vehicles available)**
**Lowest level of geography: block group**

**Notes:**
Summary File 3 provides a first look at the sample data on income, occupation, journey to work and housing finance and characteristics. There are over 800 data tables in this file, identifying areas as small as block groups. 

## Sample Data Summary Files

**Summary File 4**
**   ****Tables repeated by race, Hispanic/ Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native categories, *****and***** ancestry – 336 categories in all.**

**Notes:**
Comparable to Summary File 2, Summary File 4 will iterate some of these sample tables for detailed race and Hispanic or Latino groups, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, and includes an additional 86 ancestry groups for 336 categories in all.

Tables are released to the Census Tract level.   

## Public Use Microdata Sample Files

**   ****Unaggregated responses to Census 2000 with all identifying information removed**
**1-Percent National Characteristics File **
**5-Percent State Files **
**100,000 population threshold for geography**
**10,000 population threshold for characteristics**

**Notes:**
Researchers who want to do their own cross-tabulations of census information, can use a set of data known as the Public Use Microdata Sample Files.
These files are the actual responses to the census questionnaire (in electronic format) but with all identifying information removed.
There will be 2 series of microdata files: a 1-percent National Summary File that will contain the full-range of characteristics from the questionnaire.  Specific states will be identified on the file.
For researchers who need to tabulate data for areas below the state level, there will be a 5-percent file, released on a state-by-state basis, that identifies,  generally, counties or groups of counties that have a population of 100,000 or more.  Some characteristics may not be shown if there are less than 10,000 persons in the country with that characteristics.  In this case some of the categories may be collapsed.

## Release of Census 2000 Products

**December 31, 2000 -- Official State counts**
**April 1, 2001-- Redistricting counts**
**2001-- Short-form (100%) data products**
**2002-- Long-form (sample) data products**

**Notes:**
With Census Day more than 2 years behind us, we are still seeing a steady stream of products from the information gathered on that day.

As you know, the first product, mandated by Congress for delivery by a specific date, was the official state counts used for reapportionment of the Congressional seats.  These were delivered to the President before the year’s end.  

These data are the ones that are used to allocate the total 435 Congressional seats among the states, based on their population.  Sometimes this makes the news – as folks in Utah protest that they were denied an additional Congressional seat because their overseas missionaries were not included; the seat was awarded to North Carolina.

Redistricting counts are used to change congressional district boundaries within a state.

The first products, the 100% data, began being released in May of 2001.  Most of the 100% data products are available now; a few, like the national final and the national geographic comparison tables, are still coming.

Now the first of the sample data are being released.  This month the demographic profiles were launched.  The detailed data will start appearing in August and will flow through early 2004.

The Handout “Introduction to Census 2000 Data Products”  shows the individual items and scheduled releases.

## Major Product Lines

**Summary Files**
**Demographic Profiles**
**Quick Tables**
**Geographic Comparison Tables**
**printed reports**
**maps**
**microdata**

**Notes:**
We have a full line of products:
the very detailed sets of data tables contained in summary files, demographic profiles if you need just an overview of an area, quick tables for looking at several key items for a single area, geographic comparison tables if you want to compare across geographic areas, printed reports, and maps and related geographic products, and microdata.

## Media

**Internet**
**CD-ROM /DVD**
**Paper**

**Notes:**
Let’s look at the different media:

The information will be available in a variety of media, including Internet, disc, and print, including print-on-demand and publications.  And, depending on the specific product, it will likely be available in several different electronic formats.

We release most Census 2000 information first via the internet and the American FactFinder, on a flow basis.  That is, one or more states one week, another few the next week.  

The same information will also be released on CD-ROM.  Once all states in a series are released, we will issue the product on DVD.

There will also be a variety of products available on paper, including printed publications, and maps.  We also have print-on demand capabilities available for users who need an official printed copy.

## Internet

**Data released first on American FactFinder**
**Printed reports and Maps available in Portable Document Format (PDF)**
**Download (FTP) options**

**Notes:**
Data will be released first on the Internet through the Census Bureau’s access tool called the American FactFinder.  I know you are all familiar with this, and would venture to guess that the vast majority of you have used it quite a bit!

While many key tables will be available in printed reports, we will also make these printed reports available in portable document format (PDF) on the internet and on CD-ROM. Maps will be accessible in PDF format on CD-ROM and on the Internet.

While users will be able to download files directly from our Internet site, researchers demanding lots of data may consider the CD-ROM and DVD as an alternative. Given the size of some of the files, and modem speeds, the downloading process could literally take several days for some users. 

One of the issues that we’re all grappling with is that distinctions between and among media are fading  -- you will be able to get the same product in various media.

## Census 2000 Gateway

**Notes:**
The Census 2000 Gateway is the vehicle through which Internet products are released.  

To get to the Gateway, go to the Census Bureau homepage and click on the Census 2000 logo.

The Census 2000 Gateway provides links to data sets - the Summary File 1, Summary File 2, Count Question Resolution, Questionnaires, the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey – you name it!  If it’s related to Census 2000, you can get to it from here.

The State and County Quick Facts are listed with links and highlights for all the newest data.  A nifty feature called Data Highlights allows you to pick a state and get all data related to that state.
For instance, Census 2000 Data for the State of Texas  give me the population on April 1, 2000:  20,851,820.

At the bottom of the page with the Quick Facts, there was a link to “Browse more Data sets for Texas”

That link offered Data Highlights in American FactFinder: 
Such as the General Demographic Characteristics (DP-1)and some estimates based on the sample data.  

It also provided links to 2001 population estimates, 1990 Census data, and reference links like the Statistical Abstract of the United States, a link to the Texas data centers and the services they provide and more. 

## American FactFinder

- SF1 data publicly accessible at ***www.census.gov***
*** ***Or visit:* ****factfinder.census.gov***

**Notes:**
The American FactFinder displays several types of tables including Quick Tables, Geographic Comparison Tables and Detailed Tables that vary in detail and their level of geography. This section of AFF is ideal for the casual or occasional user. The information is easy to access and quick to retrieve.

You can access American FactFinder by typing in www.census.gov. On the left hand side of the page, click on the button that says American FactFinder. 

## Quick Tables

**Notes:**
This is one example of the Quick Tables.  You’ll note they are formatted to a single page, suitable for printing. You can chose from approximately 50 standard tables, pick the geographic area and the universe.  In the case shown here, the geography is Kings County, NY.  This is the Profile of General Demographic Characteristics. 

## 100% and Sample Data Demographic Profiles

**Notes:**
A series of demographic profile (DP) reports are available for users who want to get an overview of their area.  DP-1 is from the 100-percent data , DP 2 through DP-4 will be sample data.  Profile reports are currently available on the Internet and on the SF1 DVD, which you’ll be hearing more about.  

SF3, sample data, profiles will be available in a similar pattern, online first, then on other media.

## Geographic Comparison Tables

**Notes:**
Geographic comparison tables enable you to look at several geographic areas at the same time--for example, all states in the U.S. or all counties in a particular state. The format is also suitable for printing.

## File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

**File Transfer Protocol (FTP)**
- For downloading complete dataset files
- Available at http://ftp2.census.gov

## CD-ROM and DVD

**	****Data provided on CD-ROM and DVD, with software to view, print, download items**

**Notes:**
Census 2000 Summary File data are released first on the American FactFinder and then on CD-ROM and/or DVD.  The Census Bureau recommends purchasing a CD-ROM if downloads larger than 3-5 megabytes of data will be needed. 

Here is our latest DVD product, the SF1 DVD, which contains data for the entire country.  Given the smaller memory of CD-ROMs, a set to cover the whole 50 states and nation is more than 50 discs! 

You’ll learn more about this software later today.

## CD-ROM / DVD

**Redistricting Summary File **
**Summary File 1 through Summary File 4**
**Access software is included**
**Maps (PDF)**

**Notes:**
We plan to release various files on CD-ROM, just as we did in 1990.  These will be released on a state-by-state basis; once all the states in a particular series are released, we will repackage the entire series on a one or more DVDs.  

The CD-ROM includes various related products such as demographic profiles, and the technical documentation.

The complete set of block maps and tract outline maps will also be available on disc.

The files are available in ASCII format on the internet, as well.

## Data Accessibility

- 					_**FTP**__**	**__**	**__** AFF**__**	**_**   **_**CD-ROM/DVD**_
- Difficulty			High		Low		Low
- Cost				No		No		Yes
- User Level			High		All		All
- Speed				Variable	Variable	High
- Connect Issues**	****	**Possible	Possible	Unlikely
- Download limits		None		5 MB	 	CD size
- Graphical User Interface**	**None		Yes		Yes

**Notes:**
This is a matrix of the pros and cons of each method of accessing Census 2000 data. 
Briefly, the File Transfer Protocol method is designed solely for experienced data users who have a vast knowledge of complicated downloads involving segmented files.  
American FactFinder is an easy-to-use, free data tool that all users will find helpful.  AFF is subject to some download limitations though.  
Purchasing CD-ROM or DVDs will keep users from having to download large amounts of data.  The CD-ROM has with preformatted tables, in addition to the data files available in ASCII format.  

## Paper

**Printed reports **
**Summary Population and Housing Characteristics**
**Summary Social, Economic and Housing Characteristics**
**Population and Housing Unit Totals**
**Census Briefs**
**Maps **
**Print on demand**

**Notes:**
Even though there will be much information available in electronic media, we will also produce quite a few paper products. 
These include 3 series of printed reports, as well as a series of short informational briefs.
The first series, Summary Population and Housing Characteristics, contains tabulations of 100-percent data.  The second series, the Summary Social, Economic and Housing Characteristics will contain sample data for each of the governmental units in the state. 
The third series, Population and Housing Unit Totals will present population and housing unit counts for governmental units for 1980, 1990 and 2000.
The Census Briefs present a short analysis, generally at the national level, of most of the specific topics that were asked in the census, such as gender, housing, household relationship, population distribution and will include briefs for specific race groups.
As we did in 1990, the Bureau will produce printed maps on demand. There will also be several thematic or data maps that will be printed through the Government Printing Office, including a Census 2000 version of the “Nighttime map”
We are also offering print on demand for those users who may need a printed version of a product that is only available in electronic format 

## Cost of Census 2000 Products

**Most information free through the Internet **(www.census.gov)
**Charges for detailed custom tabulations, CD-ROMs, printed reports, print on-demand**
**Census Bureau’s Customer             Service Center (301-763-INFO)**

**Notes:**
Most of the information is available on the internet, however if you want something printed by us, or want to purchase a CD-ROM, you can call the Census Bureau’s Customer Service Center at 301-763-4636.  

## Other Sources of Census 2000 Information

**State Data Centers **
**Census Information Centers**
**Depository Libraries**
**Census Bureau Regional Offices**
- _[www.census.gov/dmd/www/groupcnr.html](http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/groupcnr.html)_

**Notes:**
Locally, you an also review Census data products or get assistance in using them through any one of about 2,000 state,local and regional agencies and organizations, community and non-profit groups participating in our various data center programs.

Over 1,300 major public and academic libraries also have copies of Census Bureau products.

Our 12 regional offices around the country are another source of local assistance.

A listing of these various organizations can be found on our website.

## For More Information

**Subscribe to the Census Product Update:**
***   ******www.census.gov/mp/www/cpu.html***

**Notes:**
You can also keep up with new developments by by subscribing to the Census Product Update, is a biweekly e-mailed listing of recently released and upcoming data products from the U.S. Census Bureau.   It also gives helpful hints for AFF and information about new features.  It’s a very useful electronic publication.

## For More Informationwww.census.gov

**Notes:**
Be sure to review this handouts. This brochure provides information on the date items that are projected to be available from Census 2000, information to help you understand census geography, and a description of the various Census 2000 data products.