Reproduction and replacement

Abstract

Demographic statistics in Sweden started in 1749 with the establishment of the Tabell-verket which collected continuous information from the clergy about the size and structure of the population and about births deaths and marriages in each parish of the Kingdom. Although at the start the programme could be considered a fairly detailed and advanced one for the period the scope and methods underwent considerable change and improvement during the following century. The administration of statistics was reorganized in 1860 with the setting up of the Central Statistical Bureau and further reforms followed during the present century. The statistical material presented for the period 1750-1900 was critically examined and corrected by Gustav Sundbarg. As a result of his penetrating researches demographic conditions in Sweden can be traced in detail year by year as far back as 1750. By studying church registers of earlier periods Eli Heckscher estimated the total population and the number of births and deaths as far back as 1721. The main purpose of studying demographic conditions during earlier periods is of course to discover general trends about the changes and their bearing upon economic social cultural and political conditions. For historical understanding however even minor short- term demographic changes have a significant value by indicating the effect of social and economic events or developments. For the former purpose demographic data for periods of 5-10 years will usually be sufficient; in the latter case however annual data are desirable. (excerpt)