legal realm it takes on special significance. If we take the example of censuses from which a great amount of statistical information is derived, we find that most censuses (if indeed they are carried out) are undertaken in 10-year cycles. According to the World Bank's Social Indicators of Development (1989). 40 coxmtries of the 153 considered had not carried out a census for 10 or more years. 10/ Frequently the data collected in censuses is so extensive that five more years are required before this information actually becomes useful to anyone other than specialized statisticians. Moreover, regularly collected, detailed and disaggregated data for indicator use, whether by the means of a census, household surveys or otherwise, represents an expensive task. When States encounter financial or other difficulties in this realm, international agencies can play a useful role by providing various forms of technical assistance. 20. While certain dilemmas may arise for some States in terms of collecting data. Economic and Social Council resolution 1985/8 of 28 May 1985: "1. Recommends that States Members of the United Nations should xmdertake to carry out population and housing censuses during period 1985-1994, taking into account international and regional recommendations relating to population and housing censuses and giving particular attention to the timely publication of census results so that the censuses meet national data requirements". 21. In a collaborative effort, the United Nations Statistical Commission, the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Conference of European Statisticians and the ECE's Committee on Housing, Building and Planning have suggested the following points concerning population and housing censuses within the ECE region, which although they are recommendations specific to Europe, may possess some universal validity. They provide: "In any country the list of topics to be covered [in a census] has to be considered in relation to other 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the importance of data collection and censuses in the context of economic development and international cooperation. The focus is on the statistical information gathered from censuses and the challenges faced by countries in collecting and using this data. The text also mentions the role of international agencies and the recommendations made by the United Nations and other organizations. Given the emphasis on economic development, data collection, and international cooperation, it is likely that the text is related to the field of economic development.

**Category**
Economic development