Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
The tables presented in the Census 1990/91 round cover the total population and housing for 19 countries. Five main topics are covered: structure of population, active population, education level, households and dwellings. The level of completeness of the tables depends largely on the availability of data at the respective national statistical institutes.
3.2. Classification system
Recommendations for population and housing censuses of the UNÂ
3.3. Coverage - sector
according to topic
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The data are collected in 29 tables for national level on core topics about the population:
Population structure
Active population
Educational level
Households
Dwellings
3.5. Statistical unit
Depending on the indicator, different statistical units were used: residents/individuals, households, dwellings
3.6. Statistical population
Depending on the indicator, the total population of residents/individuals, households, dwellings.
3.7. Reference area
EU 15, Euro area, and EFTA
3.8. Coverage - Time
Around 1990 and 1991, depending on the country. Most of the countries have carried out the census between 1990 and 1991, while some others in 1989 or 1988.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable
Data are expressed in absolute numbers (number of residents/individuals, number of households, number of dwellings).
1990/1991
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
For the 1990/91 census round, the Statistical Programme Committee formulated the "Recommendations for the 1990 Censuses of population and housing in the ECE region". This decision was a "gentlemen's agreement" rather than a legal obligation.
The countries that changed their system of collecting statistical data, moving gradually from the classic method (exhaustive census) to the use of administrative sources, base their operations on a legal framework that was created in the 1980s and early 1990s.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
none
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Done a Member State level.
8.1. Release calendar
No release calendar
8.2. Release calendar access
none
8.3. Release policy - user access
In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users.
Not applicable for this collection. However, the United Nations Organization recommends that a general population census be conducted every decade.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
News releases on-line.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Census
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Please consult free data on-line or refer to contact details.
'Recommendations for the 1990 Censuses of population and housing in the ECE region'
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Not applicable
11.1. Quality assurance
done at Member State level
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not available
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Need for regionally detailed population data, e.g. to evaluate regional cohesion.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
not evaluated
12.3. Completeness
not evaluated
13.1. Accuracy - overall
not evaluated
13.2. Sampling error
not evaluated
13.3. Non-sampling error
not evaluated
14.1. Timeliness
Eurostat received the data within two years from the census reference period.
14.2. Punctuality
not evaluated
15.1. Comparability - geographical
not evaluated
15.2. Comparability - over time
not evaluated
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Eurostat validates the data by cross-checking the received tables, in co-operation with the countries when necessary.
15.4. Coherence - internal
not evaluated
not evaluated
17.1. Data revision - policy
These historical data are no longer updated nor revised
17.2. Data revision - practice
These historical data are no longer updated nor revised
18.1. Source data
Census data sources (full questionnaire based enumeration, population or other administrative registers, sample surveys etc.)
18.2. Frequency of data collection
decennial
18.3. Data collection
Not applicable
18.4. Data validation
Eurostat validates the data by cross-checking the received tables, in co-operation with the countries when necessary.
18.5. Data compilation
diverse
18.6. Adjustment
not applicable
Netherlands does not proceed to a real census but data result from a census made from a sample of persons.
The tables presented in the Census 1990/91 round cover the total population and housing for 19 countries. Five main topics are covered: structure of population, active population, education level, households and dwellings. The level of completeness of the tables depends largely on the availability of data at the respective national statistical institutes.
3 May 2010
The data are collected in 29 tables for national level on core topics about the population:
Population structure
Active population
Educational level
Households
Dwellings
Depending on the indicator, different statistical units were used: residents/individuals, households, dwellings
Depending on the indicator, the total population of residents/individuals, households, dwellings.
EU 15, Euro area, and EFTA
1990/1991
not evaluated
Data are expressed in absolute numbers (number of residents/individuals, number of households, number of dwellings).
diverse
Census data sources (full questionnaire based enumeration, population or other administrative registers, sample surveys etc.)
Not applicable for this collection. However, the United Nations Organization recommends that a general population census be conducted every decade.
Eurostat received the data within two years from the census reference period.
