Updating data in the population register launches the first stage of the census

News

Posted on 18 October 2021, 10:49

The big Estonian population e-census, which begins at the end of the year, is largely based on register data. For reliable census results, all Estonian residents are invited in the next few months to check and, if necessary, correct population register data concerning their education, ethnicity, place of residence and contacts.

According to Urmet Lee, Director General of Statistics Estonia, register data are of critical importance in this census. “Censuses take place every ten years but this e-census is mainly register-based, which means that reviewed and corrected data are of key importance for achieving reliable census results and for national decision-making in the coming years,” said Director General.

“In recent years, the state has made a great effort to make data changes and data collection as convenient as possible. Now, we are inviting each person to contribute to the effort by reviewing and, if necessary, correcting data on their education, place of residence, ethnicity as well as their contact information,” added Lee.

The e-census, which starts on 28 December 2021, is based on different registers. The most important of these are the population register and register of buildings. According to the most recent public opinion study carried out at the end of last year, the majority of Estonian inhabitants, i.e. 87 percent, are willing to review and correct register data concerning them prior to the census.

“Registering one’s place of residence is mandatory for everyone. It is an agreement between an individual and the local municipality: a share of one’s taxes goes to the home municipality and in return the municipality can take better care of its residents by planning public services, granting support, ensuring good roads and nice surroundings among else. This is why it is important that each one of us feel responsible to make sure that one’s data are correct and, if necessary, update the data. Only then can we ensure that the right person receives necessary information, help or support quickly,” said Raivo Küüt, Undersecretary for Population Facts and Civil Society at the Ministry of the Interior.

The national campaign of updating registers, which was launched today, invites everyone to participate in the first stage of the population census by reviewing and correcting their data. The easiest way to do this is to go to the website www.rahvastikuregister.ee and authenticate oneself with ID-card, mobile-ID or Smart ID. On the page “My data”, the data can be updated, if necessary, and confirmed. The data can be checked and corrected also at the local municipality office.

The population register data and not used only for the population census; the state and local government use these to fulfil their public duties, such as provide healthcare, grant support, offer school education or construct roads. The main data entered in the population register serve as a basis for planning and offering these services.

The main stage of the Population and Housing Census begins on 28 December when each person living in Estonia is invited to fill in an e-questionnaire. There are questions only on topics for which the registers do not yet have information, such as the knowledge of foreign languages and dialects, religion and limitations to due to health problems.