What is the purpose of a national census?

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 form a significant base for planning, policy development and decision-making in various policymaking and business sectors.

• The population figures are used to allocate National Council seats to the cantons.
• The information is used to set up the 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 cantons and communes rely on the information for the planning of school classes, school buildings or old peoples’ homes.
• 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.