On 15 July, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with the support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and development partners – the Delegation of the European Union and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – organized a public event to present the final brief results of the 2024 Population and Housing Census (PHC 2024). Held at the NBS premises, the event brought together representatives of public authorities, national and international partners, civil society, the academic community, the media and others.

The final brief results cover the geographical characteristics of the population, including the number, density, and geographical distribution at the level of development regions, districts/municipalities, towns, and villages (communes), as well as the population structure by sex and place of residence. Methodological details were also presented, including the approach used to determine usual residence and other aspects related to the processing and presentation of the 2024 Population and Housing Census data.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Oleg CARA, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, mentioned: ”The presentation of the 2024 Census results during today’s event marks a first step in the publication of the final results. As data processing and tabulation are finalized, the census results will be gradually disseminated, with the majority planned for publication by the end of the current year. The use of new methods and techniques both during the preparation and implementation phases of the census, as well as at the post-census stage, has significantly improved the quality of PHC data in terms of coverage, data accuracy, and the reduction of the time needed to deliver results. This, in turn, enhances the informational value of the census data.”

The Director General expressed the NBS's gratitude to the enumerators, supervisors, and all staff involved in the census process, for their responsibility and dedication, and especially to all individuals who showed openness and cooperation by providing complete and accurate data to the enumerators during the census. He also thanked national and international partners, governmental and non-governmental institutions, the academic and business communities, media representatives, and other stakeholders for their contribution, support, promotion of the census within society, and efforts to mobilize citizens to participate.

Radu MARIAN - the Chair of the Parliament's Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance, who was present at the event, expressed its gratitude to the National Bureau of Statistics and the approximately 5,000 individuals involved in the 2024 PHC enumeration activities. "Behind the numbers and charts, is the tremendous work of dedicated people. Parliament will continue to support the NBS in strengthening its institutional and human capacities to carry out its responsibilitiesin the field of national statistics," the parliamentarian stated.”

Andrei STRAH, Deputy Secretary General of the Government, emphasized the importance of the data collected from the census of over 2.4 million residents: "With these data available, we have the opportunity to develop and implement new policies that will contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our population. We will be able to design more effective educational programs, improve healthcare services, and create economic opportunities for all, developing our villages and towns for the benefit of the people. Furthermore, we will also be able to better address social and economic inequalities, ensuring that no one is left behind. The results of this census will directly contribute to identifying priorities in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and regional development, ultimately improving the quality of life for the country's residents."

For his part, Adam GRODZICKI, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation, stated: ”In this context, let me mention that the European Union recognises the critical role the population and housing census plays in shaping effective development and pro-growth oriented policies. This is especially true for Moldova, a nation firmly advancing on the path towards European integration but at the same time struggling with the outward migration and shrinking human resources.Ultimately, accurate and up-to-date demographic and socio-economic statistical data is not only important for aligning Moldova's policies and strategies with European Union standards and best practices. But it can and should be also used as a tool for laying a solid foundation for policies and programmes that will revert unwanted socio-economic trends and help in solidifying growth oriented tendencies that will in turn lead to improved service delivery and better prospects for Moldovan citizens. An effect, I am sure we all eagerly look forward to”.

Karina NERSESYAN, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Republic of Moldova, stated:” Today marks an important milestone for the Republic of Moldova with the presentation of the final brief results of the 2024 Population and Housing Census – an essential step towards inclusive, data-driven development. With the support of UNFPA, the European Union, and our partners, the census was conducted in line with international standards, successfully including even the most vulnerable population groups. The data collected will inform equitable policies, promote social cohesion, and strengthen demographic resilience. UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the next stage and calls on all partners to contribute to leveraging this data for the benefit of the people of Moldova.

Key results presented during the event:

Estimated population with usual residence (URP): 2 409 207 persons,

               of which, distributed by:

Sex: women – 1 271 864 (52.8%), men – 1 137 343 (47.2%);

Area of residence: urban – 1 118 967 (46.4%), rural – 1 290 240 (53.6%);

Population density: 79,5 persons per km²;

Development regions: Municipality of Chișinău – 720.1 thousand (29.9%), North – 608.7 thousand (25.3%), Centre – 670.1 thousand (27.8%), South – 306.7 thousand (12.7%), ATU Gagauzia – 103.7 thousand (4.3%).

Information on the final brief results of the 2024 Census (press release, Excel tables, infographics, maps, and other useful materials) is available at: www.statistica.gov.md, under the 2024 Census / Final Results section.

The National Bureau of Statistics extends its gratitude to all those who supported the successful implementation of the 2024 Population and Housing Census, participated in the census process, including enumerators, national and international partners and citizens who contributed, by providing information in accordance with the census questionnaire.

The final detailed results of the Population and Housing Census are expected to be published within 18 months from the completion of the census.

The implementation of this important and complex exercise was made possible thanks to the support provided by central and local public authorities, the European Union, UNFPA Moldova and other UN agencies, as well as other national partners and development partners.