Greece has announced a population census for the fall

ELSTAT (Greek Statistical Office) announced a planned population and housing census, which will be carried out from 23 October to 23 November 2021. The preparatory stage of the population and housing census is the census of buildings, data on which will be collected from July 1, 2021 to August 10, 2021, with a reference date of June 30, 2021. It is noted that the population and housing census is a large-scale statistical work aimed at collecting objective information with detailed analysis throughout the country and in the field. All EU member states carry out an inventory every 10 years using uniform standards and methods. In fact, the project is so important and complex that each census is characterized over time as “the largest operation conducted by a government in peacetime.” The census is carried out in the context of the relevant regulation and EU law 4772/2021 (Gazette 17 / A ‘/ 5-2-2021).

Why is the census being carried out

The purpose of the population census is to collect the most recent and reliable demographic, economic and social characteristics of the population and housing conditions in order to meet the needs for statistical information at the national, European and international levels. These elements are necessary for the development of economic, social and environmental policies, and the fulfillment of the country’s obligations to the European Union and international organizations (for example, UN, OECD). Objectives of the population and housing census: counting the resident population, that is, residents permanently residing in each region, peripheral unit, municipality, municipal unit, community and independent settlement, regardless of citizenship and residence status; counting the legal population, that is, the citizens of each municipality and municipal formation, on the basis of which the distribution of parliamentary seats in individual constituencies occurs during parliamentary elections (article 54 of the Constitution); collecting data on the number of dwellings by type (normal or abnormal) and collecting data on their basic characteristics and amenities; collection of data on the number and composition of households and nuclear families; collection of data on demographic, social, educational and economic characteristics of the resident population; record of data related to migration (inbound and outbound migration). These elements play an important role in the conduct of research in all scientific fields, as well as in the design and implementation of academic and research programs. They are a tool for planning and managing a variety of administrative issues. Census results provide important information to the public and private sectors of the economy, citizens and society in general. In addition, they form the basis for many other statistical work of Statistics Greece (constituting the sampling frame for the organization and methodological planning of social, economic and environmental statistical surveys). The census data will be used to compile statistical registers of buildings and population, in accordance with the new European methodological framework, which provides for the provision of demographic data to the European Bureau of Statistics (Eurostat) on an annual basis.

How the 2021 revision will differ from the previous ones

Due to the conditions created by the coronavirus, data collection has been changed from previous censuses (filling out printed questionnaires with personal interviews) by redefining the inventory process to protect public health. In this context, the new approach is based on the use of modern technologies. In particular, it is expected that the population size will be conducted electronically using a specially designed electronic (web) application (electronic self-assessment). For any questions or additional information that enumerators may require, they can contact ELSTAT. In cases where there is no possibility of self-assessment, the census will be conducted through interviews, taking all necessary measures to protect the health of the population.

Data protection

It is noted that census data are recorded in a special secure database that includes all collected variables. All the necessary technical and organizational measures of protection provided by national and community legislation are taken for access to the information of the database in order to preserve the confidentiality of the files in accordance with the provisions of L.3832 / 2010..



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