Evaluation of the census error in Spain

Abstract

The population and housing census provides data on the main demographic and social aspects, as well as their distribution at any given time. The availability of reliable and updated information is crucial to improve the public policies. 17th census was carried out in Spain in 2011, according to a model based on administrative records. The demographic and socioeconomic survey of around 12.3% of the population completed the statistical operation. This work aims to assess the statistical error in the census due to the application of the new methodology and to compare with previous censuses.