This study employed both a quantitative survey approach and a qualitative approach using focus group discussions (FGDs). A total of 2,111 respondents were interviewed in 12 districts and held one FGD in each of the 71 disaster-affected sub-districts. The areas included in the assessment were Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, Aceh Barat, Aceh Barat Daya, Aceh Jaya, Nagan Raya, Aceh Utara, Pidie, Bireuen, Lhok Seumawe, Aceh Timur, and Aceh Selatan. Six respondent groups supplied the data and information. These groups are defined as: IDPs staying in camps or public buildings, IDPs staying with host families, non-IDPs, community leaders, women, and returnees. Due to the limited information available and physical constraints in the field during the time of the study, a quota sampling methodology was utilized. The data was collected from February 5 to 15, 2005. The total respondent population of all respondent categories was mainly male (65%), between the ages of 26 to 45 years (60%), rural area residents (85%), with nearly half (48%) losing one or more family members to the tsunami. Previous livelihoods of the survey respondents and FGD participants ranged from farming (24%), trading (18%) and fishing (16%).