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.
Regional Statistics and Geographic Information Department
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
2, P. Volov Str.; 1038 Sofia, Bulgaria
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
1 April 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
1 April 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
1 April 2024
3.1. Data description
The data collection provides comparable measurements on various aspects of urban life quality in cities and their FUAs.
3.2. Classification system
There are specific coding systems for spatial units, variables, and indicators. Refer to the City Statistics Manual for details.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The data covers various aspects of quality of life, including demography, housing, health, economic activity, labour market, education, environment, tourism, and cultural infrastructure.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Most of the variables follow the definitions in the City statistics manual and international standards. Any differing definitions used in data collection are detailed in the Metadata Report (Annex І).
3.5. Statistical unit
Statistical units can be individuals, households, enterprises, or other units depending on the variables being considered. For a complete description of variables, refer to the City Statistics Manual.
3.6. Statistical population
For most variables, the target population are the usual residents living within a geographical area. A detailed description of the statistical populations used is available in the City statistics manual.
3.7. Reference area
Within the scope of the project, there are 17 Functional Urban Areas and 18 cities identified in Bulgaria.
3.8. Coverage - Time
The length of the time series varies depending on the variable. The last data collection covers the years of 2021 and 2022.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
The unit of measurement varies from variable to variable. They are listed in the manual of City statistics manual.
The latest data that is currently available is for the reference periods of 2021 and 2022.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
All data supply of urban statistics is based on a voluntary agreement, as there is no EU legislation yet on this topic. The legal framework for the geospatial definitions is the TERCET Regulation.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
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.
Additionally, all data are treated for confidentiality in accordance with the Bulgarian Law on Statistics.
The definitions of the City statistics manual have been followed for most variables. Additional information on the deviating methodology used in the data collection is provided in the Metadata Report (Annex I).
10.7. Quality management - documentation
The quality assurance procedures detailed in the City statistics manual have been applied. Additional quality information is provided in the Metadata Report (Annex I).
11.1. Quality assurance
Sources of data are checked for compatibility with the definitions set out in the City statistics manual. Small differences are flagged with a 'd' for deviating definitions and are further explained in the Metadata Report (Annex I). When estimates were used (indicated by an ‘e’) an explanation for the method used is given in the Metadata Report (Annex I) and the Estimation methodology (Annex II).
Data are taken from official data sources that are checked and validated as part of their release.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
The accuracy of the estimates is assessed based on scientific standards and quality is satisfying. Detailed information on the methods used can be found in Annex II.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
User needs and stakeholder requirements are collected at several forums.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User needs and stakeholder requirements are collected at several forums. Comments and contributions are welcome to be sent to the contact.
12.3. Completeness
Data availability differs from domain to domain. For some variables, data are available for cities only or are not applicable for FUAs.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The overall accuracy of variables derived from NSI's surveys and those collected by Municipal authorities is considered to be high. The quality and reliability of the data produced using Small Area Estimations are considered to be satisfying.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Depends on the domain and individual indicator and can vary between 12 and 24 months.
14.2. Punctuality
The City and Subnational Statistics project's data has been submitted to Eurostat according to schedule. Some variables are available at a later stage and are sent as soon as they have been validated by the project team.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The legal framework (Tercet Regulation) ensures geographical comparability (definition of spatial units).
Due to the sometimes deviating definitions of variables and different data sources used the comparability of data could be limited to some extent.
15.2. Comparability - over time
From the 2011 data collection, the comparability over time has improved due to the use of the new city definition. Breaks in the time series are flagged accordingly (flag 'B') if applicable.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Data collected at sub-national level is coherent with the data collected at national level.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence (e.g. between spatial levels, between indicators like total, male, female, population) is ensured through the application of multivariable and univariable validation controls.
The data collection is based mainly on administrative data already produced so the main burden is on the Statistical Institute.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Not applicable.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
The city statistics domains are compiled using data from the National Statistical Institute and municipal administrations.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Data is collected annually.
18.3. Data collection
The process goes through the following stages:
Screening of data availability
Assessment of the methodology
Compilation of variables
Data validation and quality management
18.4. Data validation
Different data checks are done using the data validation and editing tool provided by EUROSTAT.
18.5. Data compilation
For detailed information on the estimation methodology used, please see Annex ІІ.
The data collection provides comparable measurements on various aspects of urban life quality in cities and their FUAs.
1 April 2024
Most of the variables follow the definitions in the City statistics manual and international standards. Any differing definitions used in data collection are detailed in the Metadata Report (Annex І).
Statistical units can be individuals, households, enterprises, or other units depending on the variables being considered. For a complete description of variables, refer to the City Statistics Manual.
For most variables, the target population are the usual residents living within a geographical area. A detailed description of the statistical populations used is available in the City statistics manual.
Within the scope of the project, there are 17 Functional Urban Areas and 18 cities identified in Bulgaria.
The latest data that is currently available is for the reference periods of 2021 and 2022.
The overall accuracy of variables derived from NSI's surveys and those collected by Municipal authorities is considered to be high. The quality and reliability of the data produced using Small Area Estimations are considered to be satisfying.
The unit of measurement varies from variable to variable. They are listed in the manual of City statistics manual.
For detailed information on the estimation methodology used, please see Annex ІІ.
The city statistics domains are compiled using data from the National Statistical Institute and municipal administrations.
The database is updated depending on the availability of new and revised data.
Depends on the domain and individual indicator and can vary between 12 and 24 months.
The legal framework (Tercet Regulation) ensures geographical comparability (definition of spatial units).
Due to the sometimes deviating definitions of variables and different data sources used the comparability of data could be limited to some extent.
From the 2011 data collection, the comparability over time has improved due to the use of the new city definition. Breaks in the time series are flagged accordingly (flag 'B') if applicable.
