Kuolinrekisteri

A kuolinrekisteri, often translated as a death register or death record, is a vital record maintained by governments or religious institutions to document the deaths of individuals within a specific jurisdiction or community. These registers serve as official proof of death and contain essential information about the deceased, such as their name, date of death, place of death, age, and sometimes the cause of death and burial details.

Historically, kuolinrekisterit were kept by parish churches in many European countries, including Finland, where they formed part of the church records. These records were crucial for demographic studies, genealogical research, and legal purposes, including inheritance and property matters. As secular governance developed, many countries transitioned the responsibility for maintaining death records to civil authorities.

In modern times, kuolinrekisterit are typically managed by national or regional government agencies, such as vital statistics offices or registry offices. The information contained within these registers is essential for various administrative and statistical functions, including population accounting, public health monitoring, and the administration of social security benefits. Access to these records is usually regulated to protect the privacy of individuals and their families, with specific rules governing who can obtain copies and under what circumstances. Genealogical researchers often rely on historical kuolinrekisterit to trace family lineages.