This Census Thing

I keep on wondering how it is done elsewhere. Doesn't this national census thing stink and look colonial or is it just me? Is it not easier to just make sure every birth and death is registered? then have this data centrally in some good database? Every time i see the census advert, i shudder at the prospect of thugs masquerading as enumerators to terrorize the people. the situation as it is is so bad. thugs will just have a field day. And doesn't anyone else feel like cattle or sheep after being counted and the door marked?