(VOVworld) – The Prime Minister has approved a socioeconomic census of 53 ethnic minority groups as part of efforts to establish an information system and data for state management of ethnic issues. The project will conduct surveys and collect information on population, population density, infrastructure, economy, poverty, social security, culture, education and training, and human resource development for Vietnam’s 53 ethnic minority groups. The project’s findings, which will be used to evaluate development and equality among Vietnam’s ethnic groups, will pave the way for future policies to encourage ethnic people’s development and narrow the development gap between ethnic groups. The first phase of the census will take place in this year’s first quarter.