The four key elements

The census system is based on a register survey that evaluates existing administrative data. To this end, the FSO uses cantonal and communal population registers, federal registers of persons and the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings. Information that is not contained in a register is collected with additional sample surveys: an annual structural survey of 200'000 people (cantons and cities can enlarge the sample for their area); thematic surveys of 10'000 or 40'000 persons (five themes, a different one each year); an Omnibus survey of 3000 persons on topical issues.

The register survey provides basic information about the entire population. It furnishes results on the size and structure of the population and of households, as well as of residential buildings and dwellings. The results of the preceding year are available at the end of August (population statistics) and in October (household statistics, buildings and dwellings statistics).

• information about people and households on age, sex, civil status, nationality, household size, etc.;
• information about buildings and dwellings according to building category, number of dwellings, number of rooms, area etc.;
• complete census based on available register data;
• the survey is evaluated annually;
• the data can be evaluated at a very detailed geographical level.

The register survey is not a direct survey of the population, but uses the personal data which are already recorded in the communes’ and cantons’ population registers and in the most important Federal registers of persons. On the other hand, it also uses data from the Federal Register of Buildings and Dwellings (GWR). The registers of persons and building authorities supply the relevant data for statistical purposes every quarter.

Sending data to the FSO

Further information:

• Population and Households Statistics (STATPOP)
• Buildings and Dwellings statistic (BDS)

In the structural survey, a small proportion of the population is surveyed in writing. The survey complements the information from the registers and provides additional statistics on the structure of the population. The first results are available one year after the reference day. Cumulative results will subsequently be made available for the periods of three and five years.

• sample survey of at least 200,000 people;
• covers persons aged 15 and over living in a private household;
• can be answered by internet or by completing written questionnaire;
• is conducted annually with reference day 31 December. The reference day coincides with the register survey. In this way, the dates of both surveys can be combined;
• provides information on population, households, families, housing, employment, mobility, education, language, religion and migration;
• provides answers at the following geographical levels: Switzerland, major regions, cantons and communes with 15,000 inhabitants and more;
• the results can aggregated over 3 and 5 years. This allows analyses to be made at a lower geographical level or in more detail on certain topics;
• Cantons and cities may increase the sample size within their territory.

The structural survey includes persons from the age of 15, living in a private household. The persons selected are asked to give details about themselves and their household. They are, as a general rule, not asked about the characteristics which already feature in the registers.

Since 2010, the structural survey is conducted every year. The reference day coincides with the register survey day (31 December). This allows the data from both these surveys to be combined.

The statistics based on the structural survey provide responses to questions in the following policy areas: economy, territory and transport, social security, family, education as well as gender equality and minorities. These statistics also provide important data for the Federation’s and cantons’ linguistic and religious policies.

More information: Structural survey

The thematic surveys are carried out through random sampling. The statistics from these surveys can be used to add considerable depth to the information from the structural survey. The first results are available one year after the collection of data from the respondents has been concluded.

• telephone sample survey of 10'000 to 40'000 persons;
• one thematic survey conducted annually;
• cantons and cities can enlarge the sample;
• a repetition of the same theme every five years is planned;
• information on specific themes at the level of Switzerland and the major regions.

• Families and Generations Survey (EFG)
• Language, religion and culture survey (ESRK)
• Swiss Health Survey (SGB)
• Mobility and transport microcensus (MTMC) (in german)
• Swiss Adult Education Survey (in german)

Laufende Omnibus-Erhebung: Erhebung zu Geldspielen: Spielgewohnheiten und Wahrnehmung – Bundesamt für Statistik BFS

The Omnibus surveys enable information requirements from administration, politics and business to be recorded in a timely manner and provide data on current issues quickly.

• flexible selection of themes depending on need
• representative information at the national level
• the results will be available shortly