Page 22 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 1

IPS30 Diana B.

Developing Methodology for the Register-based
Census in Estonia
Diana Beltadze
Statistics Estonia

Abstract
The next census in Estonia is planned as a register-based one, all necessary
information will be derived from 25 registers. During the preparation period,
the algorithms for creating census variables from register variables are
prepared and tested, as well as criteria for quality checks are developed. While
working out the methodology for the register-based census it became obvious
that the list of data sources is subject to change. It may require patience to
obtain data from new sources. Even if the source of relevant data is available
and the data holder has agreed to share the data, the process can be time-
consuming.

Keywords
registers system; cross validation of registers; indexes

Introduction
Change in the census method in countries has been quite slow. Since the
1970 round of censuses, statisticians have considered it important to search
for alternative methods to traditional census, in order to reduce the cost of
censuses and the burden on respondents. However, the introduction of new
methods has proved difficult.
Prior to 2000 censuses, the potential of using registers for census was
extensively studied by Statistics Estonia. Although there were many registers
in the country that could be accessed, these were often not adopted because
of the insufficient quality. The data inclusion rate of the registers was too low,
the concepts did not correspond to the needs of the population census, and
many of the necessary characteristics were unavailable in the registers. In
addition, there were difficulties with matching the records, the legislative base
was often inadequate, and there was opposition by the public. The
improvement of the registers on the basis of the latest census data became an
important task.
Before selecting the method for the 2011 census in Estonia, a decision had
to be made regarding the long-term development direction of censuses in
Estonia, i.e. whether to:
1) move as fast as possible towards a fully register-based census, or

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