In 1992, there were 1266 establishments enumerated. All establishments provide data on total sales or receipts, kind of business, legal form of organization, employment, annual and first quarter payroll, and sources of sales. The first censuses were taken in 1982. Reported data are for activity taking place throughout the census year. The islands have been divided into enumeration districts with each district assigned an interviewer.
Interviewers systematically canvass their districts.
In 1992, a listing book was used to screen out establishments not in scope of the economic censuses or not in operation during the census year. All in scope establishments fill out the same questionnaire. Peddlers and other itinerant vendors without established places of business are not canvassed. A memorandum of understanding outlines the responsibilities of the Census Bureau and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in conducting the censuses. The Bureau provides the necessary funds, enumerating procedures, forms, manuals, and training.