From church records to royal population charts: The birth of “modern demographic statistics” in Mozambique, 1720s–1820s

Abstract

In this article we examine the development of demographic statistics in Mozambique be‑ tween the 1720s and 1820s, by reconstructing the bureaucratic network used in the collection and production of information. We examine the sources used by data gatherers and analyse the criteria employed to determine who should be accounted and which population groups were enrolled. Finally, we look into the demographic data variables collected, and their changes over time, answering to the evolving needs of the Crown and its administrative networks. Our assessment is based on legislation and instructions issued by Portugal and her representatives overseas, correspondence ex‑ changed, and population counts produced.