Powszechne spisy ludności na przykładzie wybranych państw. Aspekty metodologiczne

The article focuses on methods employed in censuses in order to obtain data on population, as well as on changes being introduced currently to these methods. Basic characteristics of censuses are discussed and the main uses of census data. The article presents an overview of new methods which have emerged as an alternative to censuses using methods traditionally employed, including the use of new hardware and software technologies, sampling and administrative registers. Particular attention is paid to countries with the most advanced census methodology. Changes introduced in the National Census of Population and Housing 2011 in Poland are also discussed.