The 2011 Population and Housing Census has begun

News

Posted on 31 December 2011, 10:00

Today, in the first minutes of 31 December, the eleventh Population and Housing Census began in Estonia. Until the end of January, residents can participate in the Census online, since mid-February enumerators will be visiting homes.

“This Census is a historic occasion as for the first time people of Estonia can choose how they wish to participate in the Census – to complete the questionnaire online during January or wait for the visit of the enumerator starting from 16 February,” said Mr Priit Potisepp, Director General of Statistics Estonia.

“It is easy to complete the questionnaire online. Anyone who is able to use the computer can do it. Besides the possibility of using the Internet, all you need is an ID card, Mobile ID or Internet bank codes,” added Mr Potisepp. One can complete the census questionnaire online on the website of the Population Census www.rel2011.ee. All permanent residents of Estonia aged over 15 can complete questionnaires for themselves, parents or guardians complete the questionnaires for their children. The households who did not participate in the Population Census online, will be visited by enumerators starting from 16 February.

The 2011 Population and Housing Census 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 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.