Han Dynasty Census

The Han Dynasty Census, conducted during China's Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), was a systematic counting of people and families to assess the population and resources of the empire. This census aimed to inform taxation, military service, and governance. The Han government collected detailed data, including age, gender, and occupation, which helped in efficient administration and planning. It marked a significant advancement in state governance by emphasizing the importance of data in managing a vast empire, setting a precedent for future censuses in Chinese history.