volkstelling

Volkstelling is the Dutch term for a population census, the systematic counting of a country’s inhabitants and housing units conducted by government authorities. A census typically collects demographic information such as the number of people, their ages and sex, household composition, and a range of social, economic, and housing characteristics, including nationality, language, religion, education level, occupation, and dwelling type.

Purpose and use of data from a census include providing a snapshot of the population to inform planning, policymaking, and public services. Census data support decisions related to healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and infrastructure, and they can influence the distribution of political representation in some systems. Researchers use census information to study population trends, social structure, and economic conditions, while businesses may use the data for market analysis and planning.

History and practice vary by country, but many states conducted full censuses at regular intervals, often every ten years. In the Netherlands, the term volkstelling has historically referred to such exercises, but modern practice has increasingly relied on continuous population registers and periodic surveys. Data collection is now often complemented by administrative records, with a census serving as a cross-check or to capture information not available in registers.

Related concepts appear worldwide under different terms, such as census, enumeration, or microcensus. While demographic data remain essential for governance and research, they are collected under strict privacy and data protection rules to protect individuals’ rights.