Väestönlaskennat

Väestönlaskennat refer to population censuses, a systematic counting of residents and collection of demographic and social information to describe the size, structure, and distribution of a population. The primary purpose is to provide data for policy making, planning, electoral representation, and research. Censuses typically gather basic characteristics such as age, sex, family status, nationality or ethnicity, language, education, occupation, housing, and living arrangements. In modern practice censuses are increasingly complemented by, or replaced with, register-based data sources and targeted surveys.

Methodology varies by country. Traditional censuses involved door-to-door enumeration and data collection on a specific census date, often on a de facto basis (where people are found on the date). Many countries now use de jure concepts (usual residence) or hybrid approaches, and rely more on administrative registers and digital questionnaires. Data protection, privacy, legal basis, and anonymization are central concerns in all approaches.

Finland provides a pertinent example of contemporary practice. Statistics Finland (Tilastokeskus) oversees population statistics, and Finland has moved toward a register-based census model that leverages the population information system and administrative registers. This approach aims to achieve broad coverage with reduced field enumeration while enabling detailed demographic analysis. Results are published as official statistics for use in planning, research, and public administration.

Globally, väestönlaskennat are conducted at varying intervals, commonly every five or ten years, and are coordinated with international standards to support comparisons. They complement continuous population registers and intercensal estimates, providing foundational data for national and regional statistics.