Census forms have been arriving through people’s letter boxes in the past few weeks.

The once-in-a-decade survey provides a snapshot of the nation and helps the government and local authorities plan their provision of services and resources.

Each household has received a questionnaire with 13 questions about the household and additional questions on individual household members.

These include an optional question on people’s religious affiliation.

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly, the Rt Rev John Christie, said: “We are all required to be part of it because the information gleaned from it will enable government and local authorities to plan accurately to meet the needs and aspirations of the diverse Scottish population.”

The Church of Scotland uses census results to help plan its provision of resources and support among poor people in particular.

Mr Christie added: “Churches have used census information in the past to enable local congregations to focus on key areas in order that they may better serve their communities in the future.

“No doubt the results of the 2011 census will be similarly used.”

Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev David Chillingworth, encouraged all people to “play their full part” in the census.

“[We] expect that it will reveal us to be an increasingly diverse society. We welcome that and look forward to working with other churches and faith groups to serve such a community,” he said.