Census data processing has always been a difficult and complex process. Mainly because census-taking is an exhaustive statistical survey which has to consider many indicators which are closely interconnected. However, processing the results of the Census 2011 is much more complicated than we expected during the time of preparation. The “Anti-Census “campaign affected the most extensive statistical survey so much that the Statistical Office of the SR is still dealing with its consequences. Some residents refused not only to stick identifiers on their Census Sheets but they stick barcodes of consumer goods instead or they exchanged the identifiers among themselves or completely refused to get counted which was the outcome of this anti-campaign. Therefore, the Statistical Office of the SR had to elaborate the methodology of data processing and find solutions for specific cases.
The new situation requires enough time and new solutions as well. The Statistical Office of the SR promises not to exceed the sum of the state budget allocated for the 2011 Population and Housing Census. On the contrary, the Statistical Office of the SR managed to reach costs savings. The Statistical Office of the SR obtained a sum of EUR 25 466 000 which was allocated to cover the census expenses for the period 2008-2014 and managed to save EUR 781 600.
Almost 9 million Census Sheets had been scanned. The Statistical Office of the SR created a database which contains data from these scanned paper and electronic Census Sheets. In the coming days and weeks we have to delete the duplicities in those cases when someone has filled in the printed Census Sheet at their permanent residence and also at their temporary residence or if they filled in their Census Sheet in paper and electronic form as well. At present, the logic irregularities have been eliminated and checked e.g. if a six-year old child has a university education etc. We also make logical data controlling in the received forms.
Data quality is the key criteria for releasing the first results from the 2011 Census. The quality of data has to be satisfactory, so it can be used at national and international level in the next ten years. The Statistical Office of the SR is doing its best to early release the first census results but it will probably not be possible in 2011. Mainly due to the adverse circumstances during the census and their impact on the population.
The Statistical Office of the SR will release the first 2011 Census results on a rolling basis. The first results will be thematically concerned with the size and basic structures of population. Slovakia as an EU Member State has only one fixed deadline, which is March 2014 and until this date the comprehensive census results must be sent to the Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
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