The population and housing pilot census in Moldova was concluded on October 10. The statistical activity helped to better understand the potential challenges and obstacles and will allow identifying solutions to improve and optimize the census taking process next year, IPN reports, with reference to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The pilot census was conducted between August 28 and October 10 and covered 11 localities/sectors of localities of Moldova. It was aimed at testing the methodology, census questionnaires, data collection methods, and various aspects regarding the organization of the enumeration.

There were collected data about individuals with usual residence in Moldova, including those residing abroad for up to 12 months (for work, studies, and other purposes), residential buildings (inhabited or uninhabited) or those with other uses if they contain at least one place of residence, and places of residence located in any building, regardless of whether they are inhabited or not on the reference date of the pilot census.

The pilot census was for the first time conducted using an innovative method – computer-assisted personal interviewing – as an alternative to the traditional statistical data collection on paper. To carry out the pilot census, especially data collection in the field, the NBS employed about 160 enumerators, supervisors, and temporary census staff.

The pilot census was a mandatory stage in the preparation of the census planned for 2024 and for including Moldova in the world 2020 census round.

The pilot census was taken with the support of a project financed by the EU and UNFPA.