Redesign of the French Census of Population - ARCHIVED

Census-taking by traditional methods is becoming more difficult. The possibility of cross-linking administrative files provides an attractive alternative to conducting periodic censuses (Laihonen 2000; Borchsenius 2000). This was proposed in a recent article by Nathan (2001). The Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE)' redesign is based on the idea of a 'continuous census,' originally suggested by Kish (1981, 1990) and Horvitz (1986). A first approach that would be feasible in France can be found in Deville and Jacod (1996). This article reviews methodological developments since INSEE started its population census redesign program.