Belarusian citizens will receive an SMS about the start of the population census
"Every citizen of the Republic of Belarus will receive an SMS. It will indicate who can be enumerated (this will be very brief). It will also provide the address for the online census. This means you can log in to our census website directly from your mobile phone," said Inna Medvedeva.
The head of Belstat noted that the development of a specific region will depend on the census. "It will be possible to make decisions about what funds need to be allocated to healthcare, education, infrastructure construction, housing, and kindergartens. Today, we are conducting large-scale information campaigns and trying to convey to all citizens of Belarus that this event will take place," emphasized Inna Medvedeva.
As reported, from October 4 to 30, a population census will be held in the country under the slogan "A look at the present - a step into the future." Respondents will be asked to answer 49 questions, including about basic demographic and national-ethnic characteristics, migration activity, education, sources of livelihood, employment, number of children, housing conditions, and economic activity.
It will be possible to be enumerated in one of three ways: by independently filling out questionnaires online at a convenient time, at stationary sites, or at home during an oral interview with a census taker. Information about the addresses of stationary sites will be available on the Belstat website. The online census will be a convenient option for Belarusians who are temporarily abroad (if a person lives outside the country for less than a year, they are obliged to be enumerated, but adult relatives can also do it for them).
Collectively, all new approaches to conducting the census will help reduce the number of census staff by three times, almost as much reduce the time for filling out the census form. And, of course, improve the quality of procedures. A special call center will also help during the census, which can be contacted from October 1 with any questions on the topic. The census promotional website is already operating at www.perepis.bel and www.census.by, where you can familiarize yourself with the data of the 2009 campaign and find useful information and tips about the upcoming event.
Belstat will provide the first information on the population size in February 2020. Detailed information on socio-demographic characteristics, including actual unemployment, will be provided in July 2020, and information on the most complex part of the questionnaire - the population's activities in the agricultural sector - in July 2021.