Census in Switzerland

The first census in Switzerland in March 1850 led by Federal Councillor Stefano Franscini. In addition to the survey of the population number of inhabitants was asked about gender, age, marital status, occupation, industry and religion. Between 1860 and 2000, a census was conducted every ten years each in December. From this ten -year cycle was missed only twice from: in the census of 1888 ( as a basis for the revision of constituency boundaries preferred) and in the census of 1941 ( due to the second mobilization of the army in May 1940 by one year moved). The census in 2000 was last performed by the conventional method. Since 2010, the census is held annually and in a new form performed and evaluated by the Federal Statistical Office ( FSO). In order to relieve the population, the information is primarily drawn from the population registers and supplemented by sample surveys. Only a small proportion ( about 5%) of the population surveyed in writing or by telephone. The first deadline for the new census was 31 December 2010.

The new census

The new census is mainly based on a register survey which evaluates already existing administrative data. For the FSO uses the cantonal and municipal population register, the Federal Register and the people federal Buildings and Dwellings. Information that is made ​​in any register must be requested with additional sample surveys ( FSS, thematic surveys, omnibus survey).

Register survey

The registers survey provides basic information on the entire population. It provides results for the existence and the structure of the population and households and the residential buildings and apartments ready. Available are the results every year in late August ( population statistics, building and housing statistics), respectively, at the beginning of the year following the survey ( household statistics, housing conditions ).

Structure Survey

In the structural survey annually 200,000 people are surveyed in writing. Cantons and cities can enlarge the sample for the area. The survey provides additional statistics on the structure of the population and thus complements the information in the register. First results are available one year after the date available. Cumulative results for the period 2010-2012 are the end of 2013.

Thematic surveys

In the thematic surveys 10,000 or 40,000 persons are interviewed for a total of five issues per year. With the statistics of these surveys, the information can be improved considerably from the structure survey. The first results are available one year after survey completion available.

Bus

Omnibus surveys are surveys on current topics at 3,000 persons for prompt responses to current political or scientific questions. The results are approximately six months after the survey.

Sources and References

• Federal Statistical Office ( FSO), The new census, Neuchâtel 2011 (PDF )