The purpose of public statistics in Switzerland is to provide representative findings about the current state and development of the population, economy, society, education, research, territory and environment. The Federal population census provides important information about these areas. It has evolved over the years in relation to its original function from being simply a census of the residential population to becoming a structural survey about people, households, buildings and dwellings. Once these data from the Federal population census have been collated, they indicate the different facets of social developments at local, cantonal and national levels, as well as on an international basis.
Census statistics on the age structure, the share of foreigners in Switzerland, the labour market, commuting behaviour and many other subjects form a significant base of information to answer many current questions, as well as for planning, policy development and decision-making in various policymaking and business sectors. For example:
- The population figures are used to allocate National Council seats to the cantons.
- The information is used to set up the new financial equalisation scheme, which is intended to reduce the disparities between the cantons.
- Businesses use population statistics to conduct market studies, for personnel planning and to choose locations for new branches.
- The figures are also used for planning school classes, school buildings or retirement homes in the cantons and communes.
- EUROSTAT, the statistical office of the EU, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) use the national census results for international comparisons.
National censuses are conducted regularly in almost every state in the world. In the case of the 2010 Federal population census, recommendations for population and housing censuses were adopted from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), along with the EU’s statistical office (EUROSTAT). They describe the variables to be gathered and the recommended additional variables, as well as the classifications and definitions which ensure international data compatibility. Switzerland complies with these recommendations with regard to the core area of national census results. The requirements specified in the EU regulation are also being taken into account for the next census round.