The census begins tomorrow
At 00:00 on Saturday, 31 December, the eleventh population and housing census will begin in Estonia. In January, residents can participate in the census online, by completing the census questionnaire at www.rel2011.ee.
“This census is an historic occasion, because for the first time, the people of Estonia can choose how they want to participate in the census – they can complete the questionnaire online before the end of January or wait for an enumerator’s visit starting 16 February,” said Mr Priit Potisepp, Director General of Statistics Estonia.
“A census is like taking a picture of the entire population. This picture will show how many of us there are, what we are like and what kind of conditions we live in,” said Ms Diana Beltadze, Project Manager of the 2011 Population and Housing Census. “Only if every single resident of Estonia is counted will we get a complete picture of the Estonian population,” added Beltadze. “The census team will do everything they can to ensure the success of the eleventh census in Estonia and to provide the basis for improving everyday life in our country, taking everyone’s needs into account,” said Beltadze.
The 2011 Population and Housing Census (PHC 2011) consists of three parts – questions about the household, dwelling and persons. The questions concern the composition of the household, the size and condition of the dwelling, the origin of the respondent, language skills, education and employment. In case of a household with two members, it will take about 30 to 45 minutes to answer the questions, with a further 15 minutes required for each additional person.
In Estonia, the 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 in questionnaires on the Internet, will take place during the first month (31 Dec 2011 to 31 Jan 2012). Those who do not participate in the e-census will be visited by an enumerator in the period of 16 February to 31 March 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.
Read more: PHC 2011: www.rel2011.ee
PHC 2011 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rahvaloendus
PHC 2011 on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rahvaloendus