The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with the support of the European Union and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) officially marked the successful completion of the 2024 Population and Housing Census (PHC) at an event held in the Government House on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.  The event brought together more than 100 participants, development partners, representatives from central and local government, academia and science, civil society, census staff and the media.

Therefore, the main results and findings of the census were presented during the finalization event, as well as the success stories and solid partnerships created during the 3 months of the census.

According to preliminary data, during the period April 8 - July 7, 2024, in the Population and Housing Census were enumerated 2448 thousand persons including both persons with usual residence and persons without usual residence in the Republic of Moldova, and 1655 thousand dwellings including occupied, secondary, and unoccupied.

At the beginning of the event, Artur MIJA, Secretary General of the Government and Chairman of the National Commission for Population and Housing Census thanked the population of the country and all those who contributed to the success of this exercise: "The finalization of the census is, in fact, a starting point for the development of our communities based on the updated information provided by the citizens. The data obtained will help us better design infrastructure, modernize education, improve health and social services, and make decisions based on people's needs. The direct benefits of the Census will be seen over time in the fair and efficient distribution of budget funds, improved policies and better planning and execution of resources. The government is building European Moldova and the information provided by the Census will guide us in everything we do to improve the lives of our citizens," said Artur Mija.

Oleg CARA, General Director of the National Bureau of Statistics, noted that 2024 is the last year in the round of censuses that are being conducted internationally and the census methodology has been adapted to new requirements, including new information technologies and new methodologies that are being applied in highly developed countries.

"The census is the first stage of the implementation of the Census of Population and Housing in which data was collected from the population. The second important stage follows, which involves the use of administrative and private data to supplement the data obtained during the census and based on the data processing to produce and disseminate population and housing data necessary for the development of the country." Oleg Cara said.

In his turn, Jan DEMIDOVITS-MEKELAINEN, Program Officer for Regional Development, Tourism and Statistics of the Delegation of the European Union, said that the Census data are crucial for the process of Moldova's integration into the EU.

"The European Union has been and will continue to be a strategic partner for the Republic of Moldova. In the context of the 2024 Census, we have provided substantial support to ensure the conduct of this crucial process. This support included technical assistance, funding, and expertise to implement modern methodologies and advanced technologies to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Conducting a census that complies with international standards and EU requirements is crucial. This not only guarantees international comparability of data, but also ensures that the information collected is reliable and relevant for the development of effective public policies. Meeting these standards is essential to be able to integrate Moldova into the European statistical community and to support the process of moving closer to the European Union. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Republic of Moldova on the success of the 2024 census and reaffirm the European Union's commitment to support Moldova's efforts to develop evidence-based policies and to comply with international standards in all aspects of governance." said Jan Demidovits-Mekekelainen.

Natalia PLUGARU, UNFPA Moldova's Deputy Representative said how important it is to know the characteristics of the population to ensure a prosperous and equitable future for everyone. "UNFPA, together with the entire UN family, has been a reliable partner of the National Bureau of Statistics in carrying out this census. Our support has included technical and financial assistance as well as international expertise to ensure the successful conduct of this complex process. We have been with the NBS at all stages - from planning and implementation to data collection, and we will continue to support them, because data-driven policies are policies for people, and UNFPA works to ensure that no one is left behind and has access to equal services and equal opportunities." UNFPA Moldova Deputy Representative said.

At the end of the event, census enumerators, temporary census staff shared from their own experiences and success stories in the data collection process.

Also, during the event, the NBS announced that it will be conducting the Post Census Survey from July 15 to August 11, 2024, which aims to evaluate the census work, including estimating the coverage and data content errors.

The first results (preliminary data) of the census are to be disseminated at the end of 2024.

This is the 3rd census since Moldova's declaration of independence.

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The Population and Housing Census has received support from the European Union and UNFPA Moldova in the framework of the project "Support to the National Bureau of Statistics in conducting the 2024 Population and Housing Census." The total value of the project is 2 million 75 thousand EUR, of which 2 million are provided by the EU and 75 thousand EUR from UNFPA.