Record matching for Census purposes in the Netherlands

Abstract

In the Netherlands, data from many different sources were combined to produce the 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 the earlier Dutch Censuses but also with those of the other countries in the 2000 Census Round.

For the 2001 Census, more detailed information was required than was the case for earlier Census Rounds. 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. The SSD is constructed by micro linking several administrative registers and sample surveys. A micro integration process ensures coherence, consistency and completeness of the SSD data. Sample surveys are still needed for information that is not available from registers.