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Accuracy and reliability

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Population and Education, Social statistics
Dorthe Larsen
+45 3917 3307

dla@dst.dk

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Names

The statistics are based on the population registered in the Central Person Register (CPR) as calculated in the population statistics, where the main source of uncertainty in the population figure is delayed registration of emigrants.

Overall accuracy

There is not full compliance between Denmark's population and those registered in the CPR register, although the general quality and reliability of the CPR register is considered very high. This is primarily due to the fact that not all persons are notified of moving out of the country if they leave Denmark, for example, after a study stay or work, see in documentation for the Population. However, the deviation is very small and without particular significance for the name statistics.

People with double first names, such as Anne Marie, are counted in the statistics only as Anne (first first name), even though some of these people themselves will perceive that their first name consists of both names. This means an overrepresentation of first names that often appear first in compound first names - such as Anne or Niels. Note that double names with a hyphen are counted as one name, however.

Sampling error

Not relevant for these statistics.

Non-sampling error

Most citizens are aware of the name under which they are registered in the CPR, as the name appears on e.g. the Health Card and letters from the government. It is therefore estimated that only a very limited number of incorrect names have been registered in the CPR.

Dealing with double names and different spellings gives rise to an uncertainty in the number of people with certain names.

Quality management

Statistics Denmark follows the recommendations on organisation and management of quality given in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and the implementation guidelines given in the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF). A Working Group on Quality and a central quality assurance function have been established to continuously carry through control of products and processes.

Quality assurance

Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.

Quality assessment

The statistics are based on the population as calculated in the population statistics, which is considered to be a very accurate calculation. The statistics are among the most quoted and requested from Statistics Denmark.

Data revision - policy

Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.

Data revision practice

Only final figures are published.