The last testing of the Population Census came to an end

“During the eleven days we performed in a smaller volume the conduct of the whole 2011 Population and Housing Census – the Census over the Internet as well as the enumerators’ visits to homes,” said Mr Priit Potisepp, the Director General of Statistics Estonia. “The results of the testing are summarised during the forthcoming week, so it would be possible to make the last corrections and supplements before the beginning of the Census on the last day of 2011.”

A total over 300 employees of Statistics Estonia and volunteers helped to test the methodology, information systems and conducting the face-to-face interviews of the Census. The Population Census was tested still on a larger scale during the turn of the year 2010/2011, when nine local governments of Estonia conducted the Pilot Census among more than 10,000 participants during the three months. Based on the feedback from the persons participating in the Pilot Census, several changes were made to the Census questionnaires and information systems. “We want to express our gratitude to all persons who participated in the Pilot Census and tests, the feedback they gave us is of a great help in preparing the Census,” said Mr Priit Potisepp.

In Estonia, the Population and Housing Census will be carried out from 31 December this year until 31 March next year. The electronic Population and Housing Census or e-census, where the permanent residents of Estonia can fill out questionnaires on the Internet, will take place during the first month (31.12.2011–31.01.2012). Those who do not participate in the e-census will be visited by enumerators in the period 16.02–31.03.2012.

In 2011 the Population Census will be conducted for the eleventh time in the territory of Estonia. Previous censuses were carried out in 1881, 1897, 1922, 1934, 1941, 1959, 1970, 1979, 1989 and 2000. In 2010 and 2011 Population and Housing Censuses will be held in the majority of countries all over the world.