Proceedings of MSP2009 Modernisation of Statistics Production 2009 Data Integration Activities on the Way to the Dutch Virtual Census of 2011

Data from many different sources were combined to produce the Dutch Census tables of 2001. Since the last Census based on a complete enumeration was held in 1971, the willingness of the population to participate has fallen sharply. Statistics Netherlands found an alternative in the Virtual Census, using available registers and surveys. The table results are not only comparable with earlier Dutch Censuses but also with those of other countries. The acquired experience in dealing with data of various administrative registers for statistical use enabled Statistics Netherlands to develop a Social Statistical Database (SSD), which contains coherent and detailed demographic and socio-economic statistical information on persons and households. The Population Register forms the backbone of the SSD. Sample surveys are still needed for information that is not available from registers. For the 2011 Census more detailed information is required than for the 2001 Census. Therefore, many data integration activities take place between the Censuses of 2001 and 2011. This paper gives a sketch of all these activities that will help to make the 2011 Census a success