Previously slated for completion this Sunday, national statistician Joseph Aka told The National that finalising the census would extend into next week.
Delays have reportedly occurred in areas like Madang and parts of the highlands, while there were also shortages of census pads and difficulties releasing funds to pay some census officers.
Conducted once a decade, this census was originally due in 2010.
Aside from clocking up the numbers from a widely observed baby boom over recent years, the census will also provide important health and safety data and is necessary for tailoring government policy to specific regions.
The census will also help finalise electoral boundaries ahead of the election next year.
