Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS-STAT)

Census or sample survey?

Irina Zbarskaya

CIS-STAT

Group of Experts on Population and Housing Censuses Geneva, 24-25 May 2012

CISSTAT

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Methods of censuses in UNECE region 1

4 6 2 8 40 14 31 2000 50 countries 2010 55 countries

other register combined traditional

1 Overview of the 2010 round of population and housing censuses in the UNECE region. Note by the secretariat. Conference of European Statisticians, 2012 2

CISSTAT

4 Round 2010 censuses conducting in CIS countries 2 1 1 1 1

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 number of countries that conducted or are planning to conduct a census in the relevant year 2014

CISSTAT

Census importance for CIS countries:

•

determination of population size and its distribution in the countries territory at a particular time;

•

the primary (and in some cases the only) source of information on demographic, ethno-linguistic and socio-economic characteristics of the population;

•

possibility to obtain for the countries smallest territorial units and small population groups;

•

information basis for the development of demographic and socio economic forecasts for the country and regions;

•

the frame for conducting sample surveys.

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CISSTAT

Census difficulties:

•

attitude of the population and the complexity of the survey (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan);

•

staff hiring and training (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan);

•

funding (Armenia, Tajikistan, Ukraine);

•

processing of census materials (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).

5

Quality of data Completeness of the count

CISSTAT

Contradictions of the Census The most priced statistical work

National Statistical Office

Need to proof cost-effectiveness Refusal to participate 6

CISSTAT Challenges fased by the Census

Financial Social Informational Innovations and technology 7

CISSTAT

CENSUS versus SAMPLE SURVEY

Sample survey:

•

more detailed survey program;

•

relative funds saving;

•

fast results;

•

opportunity to study facts with high frequency

BUT, 8

CISSTAT

Census :

•

Specified population size and its location within the country

•

Forming the frame for sample surveys.

Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress

Intensified statistical services on sample surveys.

9

CISSTAT Conclusion:

• • •

censuses will continue;

•

single approach can not be, but countries will combine sources of information about population; sample surveys themes expanding; technological innovations.

10

Thank you for your attention!

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