This dataset provides 2011 Census estimates that classify usual residents in England and Wales by religion, by sex and by age. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

The statistics help in developing and monitoring policy aimed at assessing the needs of population groups whose experiences of public services and social interaction, for example employment and education, may be different to those in other groups. This information is used to plan services and target resources, and allows public authorities to assess and tackle discrimination and social exclusion associated with religion.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the Statistical Disclosure Control page on the ONS web site.