In the 2024 Population and Housing Census, which took place between April 8 and July 7, 1.655 million households were counted, including occupied, secondary and unoccupied dwellings, as well as 2.448 million people in these households. The number of persons includes both persons with habitual residence and those without habitual residence in the Republic of Moldova. The first detailed data are to be presented at the end of this year, while the comprehensive data will be presented in December 2025, director general of the National Bureau of Statistics Oleg Cara stated in an event held to mark the completion of the census, IPN reports.
Unlike the 2014 Population and Housing Census, the 2024 census was more extensive. “The census gave us the opportunity to collect data regarding the population. At the same time, we are aware of the fact that a part of the population remained unregistered for one reason or another, primarily due to the avoidance of presenting information,” said the NBS director.
“In total, we had over 10,000 categorical refusals during the census, but at the end of the census their number was lower than 4,000. We worked with each case separately... However, we also have homes covered without contact. There are houses in which it was not possible to identify a person living in them,” said Oleg Cara.
The NBS director also said that between July 15 and August 11, a Post-Census Survey will be carried out in several localities. This includes a subset of questions from the questionnaires used in the census. Through this exercise, the degree of covering the population with habitual residence, but also the accuracy of data collected during the census will be measured.
Present at the event, Natalia Plugaru, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Moldova, said that the data collected during the census will contribute to a detailed understanding of the demographic structure, housing conditions and needs of the population. “It was an important step. I think an even more important one – the analysis and dissemination of data – will follow. On behalf of the UN Population Fund, I want to express the commitment that we will stand by you also in this next stage, so that the data becomes available and useful for state policies and to promote a data-based governance system to take into account every inhabitant of the Republic of Moldova,” stated said Natalia Plugaru.
The Government’s Secretary General Artur Mija said that the completion of the census is a starting point for the development of communities based on the updated information provided by citizens. “The direct benefits of the census will be found in time in the correct and efficient distribution of budget funds, improvement of policies and better planning and execution of resources,” stated Artur Mija.
According to the legislation, the census is carried out at least once every 10 years, within the framework of the world rounds.
