Inhabitants are counted throughout Europe
On 9 May 2011, a population census will be conducted in Germany for the first time since unification: the 2011 Census. With the 2011 Census, the statistical offices of the Federation and the Länder will determine how many people live in Germany and what their housing and working situation is like. Germany will thus participate in an EU-wide round of censuses, which will take place every ten years.
The EU defines for all member states a minimum set of variables to be covered. The states are largely free in determining by what methodology and on what reference date they intend to cover the variables.
Lithuania and Latvia are already counting, and in a few days Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece and Great Britain will start their population censuses. Sweden has the latest census reference date on 31 December 2011.
Some countries – such as most Eastern European states and Great Britain – maintain the methodology of a traditional population census. This means that all citizens are asked to provide information through a questionnaire. The Scandinavian countries, however, conduct their censuses only on the basis of registers such as population registers.
Germany has opted for a mix of methodologies for the 2011 Census. A register-based census will be conducted for the first time in 2011. Data from administrative registers will be used in particular. In addition, a household survey among some 10% of the population, a census of buildings and housing as well as surveys at residential homes and collective living quarters will be conducted.
