Statistical surveys

State Data Agency produces statistical information on the population using data stored in State registers and surveying (interviewing) the population.

The interviewing of all the usual residents of Lithuania is a complicated and expensive process. That is why in Lithuania, just as in other countries of Europe and of the world, only part of the population participate in surveys, while conclusions are drawn about the total population. Respondents are sampled using statistical sampling methods: for social surveys – from the total population of Lithuania, for agricultural surveys – only from those persons who farm, produce agricultural products. Such a sampling technique ensures equal possibilities for all residents and agricultural producers to be sampled for statistical surveys. The participation of each person sampled in a survey is very important because the number of persons interviewed has a direct impact on the reliability of statistical information.

At all statistical data collection, processing and statistical information preparation and dissemination stages, the confidentiality principle is strictly adhered to. Data are used only for statistical purposes and are published in the form of aggregated statistical information, i.e. making it impossible to identify a specific individual, household, farmer's or family farm. In statistics, a household is defined as a person living alone or a group of persons sharing the same living accommodation and expenditure, including collective provision of necessities of life. A farmer's or family farm is defined as a farm producing agricultural products, possessing one or more hectares of agricultural land or less than one hectare of agricultural land if its agricultural income during a calendar year totals no less than 40 amounts of the minimum standard of living.

Survey results reflect general socioeconomic processes taking place in the country. Statistical information is used in State and population-relevant decision-making. It is also often used by society in everyday life, i.e. when trying to decide which studies or occupation to choose, which agricultural products to produce, deliberating dwelling or car purchase-related issues, etc.