Development of a pre-census database and computer-assisted methodology for conducting the 2021 census in the Republic of North Macedonia

The next census in the Republic of North Macedonia is scheduled for 2021; its reference date is set for midnight, 31 March. The census will be conducted using a combined method, with data obtained from several administrative data sources. A working group was established to identify all state institutions with databases of interest to the census and to visit those institutions to investigate the use of each database. An initial assessment of the data sources was undertaken, according to a set of criteria that evaluated the form, characteristics and manner of updating of the available datasets. The databases of six institutions were selected, together with the databases of the statistical surveys conducted by the State Statistical Office of the Republic of North Macedonia: 1 . Ministry of Interior as the holder of the Citizens Register, 2 . Pension and Disability Insurance Fund whose database contains data on all pensioners and employees, 3 . Employment Service Agency with a database on both the employed and unemployed (job seekers), 4 . Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (having data on social transfers as a source of income), 5 . Ministry of Education and Science as the holder of the registers of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, and 6 . Public Revenue Office.