The national census as part of an integrated system
The new focus of the Federal population census has transformed it into the backbone of an integrated system for household and personal statistics (SHAPE), which combines the use of data from existing administrative registers and sample surveys on people and households. The content, method and organisation of the various surveys will be linked and coordinated with each other. SHAPE takes into account national and international requirements and lightens the burden on interviewees.
The different areas of the Federal population census are being linked to the following surveys which are already available to form a single system:
- The Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) provides data about the labour market and working life in general. After being harmonised with European statistics, the results are produced quarterly.
- The Household Budget Survey (HBS) provides regular information about the consumption habits and incomes of private households in Switzerland.
- Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) (Statistics on Income and Living Conditions) studies living conditions, the distribution of income, poverty and social exclusion on the basis of indicators that can be compared at European level.
Integration components of the national census system
The new census can only exploit its full potential if it takes the form of a well-functioning integrated system. In order to create an integrated system, integration components are needed which will bring together surveys based on different data sources. Collectively used basic populations, the AHV/AVS number, the Buildings and Dwellings Identifier (EGID/EWID) and key variables fulfil this function.
Further information
Sampling frame
Since 2010 the FSO has a sample frame which forms the basis for high-quality person and household surveys. The sample frame uses data from cantonal and communal population registers, which are updated on a quarterly basis.
The samples are drawn randomly. In order to avoid individuals being selected too frequently, the FSO has introduced a system to ensure that the burden is evenly distributed across its surveys. If a household has already participated in an FSO survey, it will not be selected again for some time. This safeguard is not 100% effective, however, especially if a person changes household between two consecutive quarters. Special measures have been established to deal with such exceptions.
For which surveys can the sample frames be used?
The Federal Statistics Act limits the use of sample frames. Personal or household data necessary for the survey may only be passed on from the sample frame register for:
- Surveys that are part of the Confederation’s multi-annual programme for federal statistics;
- Surveys ordered by the Federal Council in individual cases;
- Research projects that are considered to be research projects of national importance under Art. 3 para 2 let. c FStatA.
Important information on the availability of fixed-line telephone numbers in the sample frame
Until December 2023, the fixed-line telephone numbers came from the emergency call database managed by SWISSCOM. As this no longer exists in its old form, an interim solution was set up for 2024 and 2025, in which the largest telephone providers are used to procure the fixed numbers. From 2026, the sampling frame will no longer have any fixed-line telephone numbers.
Introduction of fees from 15 July 2026
On 15 July 2026, the Ordinance on Fees in the Field of Statistics (OEmol-Stat, RS 431.09) will come into force. Certain samples will be subject to a fee in accordance with Article 1(2)(a).
Fees will be calculated on the basis of the time taken to process the request for sample(s), namely email correspondence, data extraction and preparation, drafting of the data protection agreement and delivery.