A population and housing census has been conducted on 3 November 2001 in Norway. About every 10 years since 1769, Norway has conducted such censuses, which provide us with valuable information about how people live in this country. The 2001 census was the last census in which people had to fill out the forms themselves.

In the autumn of 2001 all families in Norway received a form in the mail containing questions about their dwelling and household. The responses are important for obtaining information about how people live in Norway today.

The results will be useful for everyone interested in learning about Norwegian society today, and are also used to compare Norwegian housing and living conditions with the rest of the world. The survey will also give politicians the facts that they must take into consideration when deciding the type of housing that should be built. For example, does Norway need student housing or housing for senior citizens?

The 2001 Population and Housing Census also provide important information for tomorrows history books. Everyone answering the form will help write the history of the Norwegian people in the year 2001.

Censuses have deep historical roots dating back to Biblical times 2 000 years ago when Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register for the census. Norway conducted its first census in 1769 and counted 723 618 persons, fewer than live today in greater Oslo.

The vast majority of Norwegians lived in the country. When the 1801 census was taken only 10 per cent lived in cities. Nearly half were farmers or were members of farm families.

When the 1990 census was taken 4.2 million persons lived in Norway. Less than two percent worked in agriculture while all of 72 per cent lived in cities or densely populated areas. This figure has increased steadily in the last 150 years.