Census postponed by one year
The German population was actually supposed to be counted again these days. In the 2021 Census Act, the census was set to take place on May 16, 2021. This is because the last census took place in May 2011 and Germany is obliged to carry out a census every 10 years due to EU census regulations.
But corona has now prevented this "event" too. By law, the census has been postponed by one year due to the pandemic. The cut-off date is now May 15, 2022 , but the 2022 census is not expected to result in such a dramatic correction to the population figures as the 2011 census. This is because the 2011 census was the first census since the 1987 (FRG) and 1981 (GDR) censuses. This time, we are "only" talking about a period of 11 years.
The census effects are of course also reflected in the Nexiga data. We calibrate all our market data, which we compile on the basis of a wide range of sources, against the key figures from official statistics and therefore also against the census. Our customers benefit from this validated data, for whom we are currently delivering the 2021 market data update, for example. We ensure that the detailed Nexiga figures for residential districts and micro-Zip code add up to the data officially determined for the municipality level.
The census (a population census used to obtain population and housing data) is a joint task of the federal and state statistical offices. It is a register-based population census. It is supplemented by a sample and combined with a building and housing census. The majority of the population is therefore not required to provide information for this type of census. Detailed background information on the implementation of the census can be found on the website of the statistical offices.
Is the census necessary and what is it for?
The last census in 2011 showed just how necessary a regular census is: At that time, it was proven that Germany had 1.5 million fewer inhabitants than assumed by the annual updates.
The regular population, building and housing census is of great importance for politics and administration. The results are used to determine the official population figures of the municipalities and to obtain basic socio-demographic data on the population, employment and housing situation. Each census renews and validates the data basis for official statistics.
Review of 2011
In 2011, after a long period of back and forth, a census was carried out again in Germany. The most important finding was that Germany had significantly fewer inhabitants than previously assumed. On the cut-off date, there were 80.2 million people living in our country - 1.5 million fewer than assumed. This corresponds to a city larger than Munich. The figures at the time were based on the 1987 (FRG) and 1981 (GDR) censuses. Since then, the population figures have been continuously updated with the help of data on births, deaths and changes of registration. However, the census results caused great uproar in the municipalities at the time, as the population figures for many towns were significantly lower than the previous official statistics. This also meant significant financial losses, particularly in terms of municipal financial equalization. There were many complaints from municipalities to the administrative courts.