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How many people and households were counted in the Han census of 2 CE?
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Han dynasty
Map showing the extent of the Han empire c. 100 bce.
According to historical records from the Han dynasty, the census conducted in 2 CE recorded approximately 12,233,000 households and 59,595,000 individuals.1
This count was primarily intended as a preparatory step for the levy of a poll tax. Because many people sought to avoid reporting to the government to escape taxation, these figures are considered by some scholars to be an estimate, though they remain a significant record of the population during the Western Han period.2