Ukraine's National Census
Arsen Makarchuk, the head of Ukraine's State Statistics Service, has stated that a national census could be conducted approximately one and a half to two years after the war concludes. The last official population estimate for Ukraine was made on February 1, 2022. According to Makarchuk, the margin of error for this estimate is plus or minus 4 million people. A census is a vital tool for any nation, providing the foundational data needed for effective governance and planning.
Makarchuk emphasized that even after the war ends, a waiting period will be necessary to allow for crucial social processes to unfold.
“Even after the war ends, we need to wait a year and a half to two years for social processes to occur—the return of people, demobilization, and reintegration into society. Only then will it make sense to record the state and size of the population,” he stressed.
Participation in the European Census Round
Furthermore, Ukraine intends to participate in the European Census Round of 2030. This participation will help gather more accurate data on the country's population amid the profound societal changes underway. Ella Libanova, Director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, also highlighted the importance of these processes for planning future actions in demography and social development.
As Makarchuk noted, “We have calculated these indicators and are now discussing what can be made public from them. For now, this information is not being disclosed, but I hope we will find a consensus with the government and will be able to publish it.” This indicates that the statistical data will be crucial for understanding Ukraine's future demographic shifts.
A census is a key instrument for assessing demographic changes and planning social programs. In the context of post-war recovery, having accurate data that reflects the real state of Ukraine's population is essential. This will also allow the government to respond more effectively to the population's needs and formulate policies aimed at the country's future social and economic development.