| Category: | Demographic and social statistics |
| Area: | Population |
| Survey / data collection: | Population census |
| MONSTAT metadata |
|---|
| Reference metadata |
| 1. Contact |
| 2. Metadata update |
| 3. Statistical presentation |
| 4. Unit of measure |
| 5. Reference period |
| 6. Institutional mandate |
| 7. Confidentiality |
| 8. Release policy |
| 9. Frequency of dissemination |
| 10. Accessibility and clarity |
| 11. Quality management |
| 12. Relevance |
| 13. Accuracy and reliability |
| 14. Timeliness and punctuality |
| 15. Coherence and Comparability |
| 17. Data revision |
| 18. Statistical processing |
| 19. Comment |
Note: For any question on metadata, please contact MONSTAT metadata support.
| 1. Contact Vrh | |
| 1.1. Contact organization: | Statistical Office of Montenegro - MONSTAT |
| 1.2. Contact organization unit: | Demography and migration statistics department |
| 1.2. Contact organization unit: | IV Proleterske 2, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro |
| 2. Metadata update Top | |
| 2.1. Metadata last certified: | |
| 2.2. Metadata last posted: | 24 December 2025 |
| 2.3. Metadata last update: | 01 December 2025 |
| 3. Statistical presentation Top | |
| 3.1. Data description: | Population census provides a large range of demographic data on size and structure of the permanently resident population of Montenegro at national and regional level, and related demographic changes, such as births, deaths, marriages and divorces, immigration, and emigration. Data are also provided on population and its employment, families, housing, and national or ethnic affiliation. 2023 is the most recent year a population census was carried out in Montenegro. Censuses were also carried out in 1921, 1931, 1948, 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981,1991, 2003, and 2011 respectively. To ensure international comparability of Population Census 2023 data MONSTAT follows methodology and recommendations issued by the UN, and the EU regarding e.g. contents and data definitions as well as classifications to be used in the data collection. |
| 3.2. Classification system: | Classification of Occupations ? ISCO-08 Classification of Economic Activities ? NACE Rev. 2 Classification of Education ? ISCED List of Municipalities List of Settlements |
| 3.3. Sector coverage: | Not applicable. |
| 3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions: | The census covers the following units: 1. persons, 2. households, 3. dwellings and other inhabited premises. Persons are considered to be: -Montenegrin citizens who have permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, regardless of whether they are present at their place of residence or are temporarily staying in another place in Montenegro or in another country; -Foreign nationals who have been granted permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, as well as foreign nationals whose usual place of residence is in Montenegro. The above-mentioned persons are enumerated regardless of whether, at the time of the census, they are outside Montenegro, provided that their household, which provides the data, is located in Montenegro. A household is any family or other community of persons who live together in the same housing unit, regardless of whether all members are permanently present at the place where the household is established or whether some of them are staying in another place or another country for reasons of work, education, or other reasons. A dwelling is a structurally separate and independent unit at a specific location, intended for the habitation of persons, which at the census reference moment is used for housing purposes, or is vacant, or is used for seasonal, temporary, or occasional use. The enumerated population consists of all persons who are Montenegrin citizens with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, regardless of whether they are present at their place of residence or are temporarily staying in another place in Montenegro or in another country, as well as foreign nationals who have been granted permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, and foreign nationals whose usual place of residence is in Montenegro. The population of Montenegro consists of the enumerated persons who have their usual place of residence in Montenegro. The usual place of residence is the place where a person normally spends their day, regardless of temporary absence due to recreation, annual leave, visiting friends or relatives, business travel, as well as absence due to medical treatment or religious observance, and also the place in which a person has resided continuously for at least one year prior to the census reference moment, or has arrived at the usual place of residence within the 12 months prior to the census reference moment with the intention of staying there for at least one year. The statistical concepts and definitions used for the individual characteristics collected in the census are presented in detail in the Methodology for the Preparation, Organization, and Conduct of the Census, as well as in the thematic report. |
| 3.5. Statistical unit: | Census units are: persons, households, apartments and other inhabited premises. |
| 3.6. Statistical population: | Population of Montenegro refers to the total number of persons residing within the territory of Montenegro, in accordance with the definition of usual place of residence. Residential units are defined as housing units intended for human habitation, regardless of whether they were occupied or empty at the time of the census. |
| 3.7. Reference area: | The data collected through the census pertain to the territory of Montenegro and can be presented at the level of municipalities or settlements, as the lowest territorial units. |
| 3.8. Time coverage: | Data on population and households for 1921, 1931, 1948, 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2003, 2011 and 2023 were collected through censuses carried out in respective years. |
| 3.9. Base period: | Not applicable. |
| 4. Unit of measure Top | |
| The unit of measurement is number. For persons, the unit of measurement is the number of persons. For dwellings, the unit of measurement is both the number of dwellings and their area, while for households, it is the number of households. | |
| 5. Reference period Top | |
| The reference moment is 24:00 on 31 October 2023, representing the date and time to which the data on census units refer. | |
| 6. Institutional mandate Top | |
| 6.1. Legal acts and other agreements: | The Law on Official Statistics and Official Statistical System (Official Gazette of Montenegro No 18/12, 047/19, and 023/25 od 11.03.2025) defines provisions for collection, processing, and dissemination of data. The Law provides to the Statistical Office legal powers to collect and access the data necessary for the implementation of Programme and Annual Plan. The Law gives a priority to the use of administrative data and right of access to individual data that are a result of survey of other official statistical producers. As an annex to legal provisions, Statistical Office has signed several memoranda on cooperation with administrative data providers. |
| 6.2. Data sharing: | Not applicable. |
| 7. Confidentiality Top | |
| 7.1. Confidentiality - policy: | Data protection is defined by the following laws and by-laws: ? Chapter XIII ? CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION FOR THE PURPOSES OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS of the Law on Official Statistics and the System of Official Statistics (?Official Gazette of Montenegro?, No. 018/12 of 30 March 2012, No. 047/19 of 12 August 2019, No. 023/25 of 11 March 2025); ? Articles 28 and 29 of the Law on the Census of Population, Households and Dwellings (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 140/22 of 16 December 2022, No. 105/23 of 28 November 2023); ? Chapter 1.7 ? Confidentiality and Data Protection in the Census, as well as other chapters defining the storage of materials, the obligations of census participants, and other provisions defining data protection obligations, within the Methodology for the Preparation, Organization and Implementation of the Census. As well as internal acts of the Statistical Office, including in particular: ? Rule on strengthening security, safety and data protection measures for the 2023 Census of Population, Households and Dwellings (No. 01-041/24-3002/1 of 31 August 2023); ? Plan for the Protection of Special Categories of Personal Data (No. 01-041/23-4513/1 of 21 November 2023); ? Rulebook on Personal Data Protection (No. 01-041/23-4590/1 of 24 November 2023); ? Physical Protection Plan of the Information System of the Statistical Office (No. 01-041/23-2026/1 of 1 June 2023); ? Rule on Incident Response within the Statistical Office (No. 01-041/23-2099/1 of 7 June 2023); ? Rule on the Recording and Storage of External Media Containing Data from Administrative Sources (No. 01-041/23-2039/1 of 2 June 2023); ? Rule on Access to Databases of the Statistical Office (No. 01-041/23-2087/1 of 6 June 2023); ? Rule on Information Security Measures within the Statistical Office (No. 01-041/23-2057/1 of 5 June 2023); ? Management of Information and Communication Technology Risks within the Statistical Office (No. 01-041/23-2114/1 of 8 June 2023); ? Rule on Preventing the Identification of Census Units of Population, Households and Dwellings (No. 01-078/24-4380/1 of 11 October 2024). Furthermore, pursuant to Articles 54?61 of the Law on Official Statistics and the System of Official Statistics (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 018/12 of 30 March 2012 and No. 047/19 of 12 August 2019) and the internal rules of the Statistical Office, data with a frequency of occurrence of fewer than 10 are protected (primary protection) and are marked with the symbol ?z?. In addition, other protected data are also marked with the same symbol in order to prevent indirect identification of census units (secondary protection). The symbol indicating protected data is ?z?. |
| 7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment: | A special procedure, adopted as a set of rules for data protection, was applied during the data entry process. Every individual involved in data entry signed a specific document ? a Confidentiality Statement. After the completion of data entry and correction, the identification fields (names, surnames, and personal identification numbers) were separated from the database, which was then provided to the methodology team for further data processing. The database is stored on a dedicated server, and only two methodologists have access to it. A rule for controlling "data disclosure" has also been adopted, whereby any value smaller than 6 for questions related to nationality, ethnicity, religion, and mother tongue, as well as at the settlement level, will be marked with the designation "z" ? indicating that the data is protected. |
| 8. Release policy Top | |
| 8.1. Release calendar: | The publication of census results is defined by Article 30 of the Census Law: ?Preliminary census results by settlements, local self-government units, and for the territory of Montenegro, relating to the number of population, households, and dwellings and other inhabited premises, shall be published by the Statistical Office within 30 days from the date of completion of the census. Statistical data shall be considered preliminary (subject to change during statistical data processing) as long as they are subject to regular revisions. Final results shall be published by the Statistical Office in accordance with the Annual Plan of Official Statistics and the Statistical Data Release Calendar.? In accordance with the above, the preliminary results of the 2023 Census of Population, Households and Dwellings were published on 25 January 2024. The final results of the 2023 Census of Population, Households and Dwellings have been published by the Statistical Office successively, in line with the Annual Plan of Official Statistics and the Statistical Data Release Calendar for 2024 and 2025. Census data are also available upon user request. |
| 8.2. Release calendar - access: | http://www.monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=12&pageid=12 |
| 8.3. User access: | General aim of official statistical producer is to meet the needs of users, and to make an access to statistical data to users in an understandable manner, simultaneously and under the same conditions. Statistical Office is obliged to produce and disseminate official statistics in objective, transparent and professional manner, so that all users are equally treated. Final press releases, as well as accompanying Excel tables, are available to users on our website at the following link: https://monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1990&pageid=1708 Data at the settlement level are available at the following link: https://www.monstat.org/cg/page.php?id=2342&pageid=1992 Additionally processed data, prepared upon user requests, are available at the following link: https://monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1994&pageid=1708 |
| 9. Frequency of dissemination Top | |
| The preliminary results of Census 2023 were published on 25 January 2024. The Statistical Office will publish the final results of Census 2023 successively, in accordance with the Annual Plan of Official Statistics and the Statistical Data Publication Calendar for 2024 and 2025. | |
| 10. Accessibility and clarity Top | |
| 10.1. News release: | Releases related to Census 2023 can be found online https://www.monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1990&pageid=1708 |
| 10.2. Publications: | Data from the 2023 Census, as well as from previous censuses, can be found in the regular publications issued by the Statistical Office. http://monstat.org/eng/publikacije.php |
| 10.3. Online database: | No Census databases have been planned or published. |
| 10.4. Micro-data access: | Not applicable. |
| 10.5. Other: | Expect releases, disemination products also are excel tables which are available on link: https://www.monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1990&pageid=1708 |
| 10.6. Documentation on methodology: domain: | For the purposes of the census, a methodology for the preparation, organization and conduct of the census was developed. The methodology has been developed in accordance with relevant international documents on the list, namely Recommendations from UNECE / EUROSTAT and Regulatory EC. |
| 10.7. Quality documentation: | The Law on Official Statistics and Official Statistical System (Official Gazette of Montenegro No 18/12, 047/19, and 023/25) defines the commitment to quality which ensures that official statistical producers in Montenegro work and cooperate in accordance with the international principles of statistical system quality. Development Strategy and Programme of Official Statistics for 2019-2023 define the objectives of development. One of objectives is Quality management of statistical system and official statistics result process. Pursuant to the ESS Quality Declaration, Article 338 of the Contract on EU Functioning, Regulation 759/2015 and Regulation 223/2009 as well as European Statistical Code of Practice, the following documents are in adoption procedure: 1. Quality Strategy of Statistical Office, 2. Guide for Implementation of Quality Strategy in Statistical Office. 3. Implementation Plan |
| 11. Quality management Top | |
| 11.1. Quality assurance: | Statistical Office has chosen the implementation of elements of TQM (Total Quality Management) model that foster development and improvement of functioning of: - Institution, - Official statistical result production, and - Individual. Within middle-term deadline, Statistical Office has chosen the TQM implementation through the following objectives: 1. Strong commitment to users and other interested parties, 2. Quality statistical processes and products, 3. Professional orientation of staff members, 4. Constant improvements, 5. Reduction of overburden of reporting units. |
| 11.2. Quality assesment: | Based on all dimensions of quality-relevance, accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, comparability, coherence, and efficiency-it can be concluded that the 2023 Census of Population, Households and Dwellings in Montenegro meets high standards of statistical quality, fully aligned with Eurostat requirements and international recommendations. Relevance The data obtained from the Census represent the primary source of information on the population, households, and housing stock of Montenegro. They are crucial for policy-making at both national and local levels, for planning infrastructure, educational and healthcare capacities, labor market development, and improving social policy. Data users include government authorities, local self-government units, research institutions, international organizations, business entities, non-governmental organizations, and the general public. The content of the Census and the scope of the data are aligned with United Nations and Eurostat recommendations, enabling international comparability and use within European statistical systems. Accuracy and Reliability A high level of accuracy was ensured through the application of modern methodological and technical solutions, enumerator training, and multi-level control of collected data. Validation and logical control procedures were implemented during data collection and processing. Standardized questionnaires and instructions were used, and data processing was carried out using a specialized information system that enabled automatic checking and processing of data. The reliability of the data was assessed as high, with minimal errors caused by non-responses or misinterpretation of questions. Subsequent checks and comparative analyses with administrative sources further confirmed the quality of the results. Timeliness and Punctuality of Publication The Census was conducted according to the planned schedule, and results were published within the deadlines specified in the Statistical Research Program of Montenegro. Preliminary results were published within one month after the completion of field data collection, while final results were published after the completion of full data processing and verification. Publication was fully aligned with the plan and without delays, demonstrating high timeliness and punctuality in the dissemination of results. Accessibility and Clarity The results of the 2023 Census of Population, Households, and Dwellings are publicly available through press releases, Excel tables, and the Statistical Office?s website. Data are presented in tabular and graphical formats, with detailed methodological explanations and definitions of used terms, ensuring clear understanding and proper interpretation. The Statistical Office provides open access to data for all users upon request, in accordance with the principles of transparency and equal treatment of users. Comparability The 2023 Census is methodologically aligned with previous censuses, allowing temporal comparability of data. Changes in questionnaires and classifications were implemented according to international standards, without disrupting the continuity of core data series. At the international level, the Census complies with Eurostat and United Nations recommendations, ensuring comparability with European Union countries and the region. Coherence Data obtained from the Census are coherent with results from other statistical surveys and administrative registers. A methodological link has been established between the Census and surveys in the areas of labor, education, agriculture, and social statistics. Systematic consistency checks were conducted at both the aggregate and microdata levels, with deviations minimized to a very low level. |
| 12. Relevance Top | |
| 12.1. User needs: | International users: - Eurostat, - World Bank, - UN organizations, - International Monetary Fund National users: - Ministries and other public administration bodies, -Local government, and -Other local government bodies. - Central bank, - Non-governmental organizations, - Students, -Researchers, - Media. |
| 12.2. User satisfaction: | In accordance with the principles of official statistics in Montenegro, producers of official statistics regularly and systematically monitor user satisfaction. As the coordinator of the statistical system, the Statistical Office regularly conducts a user satisfaction survey. The user satisfaction survey, as an interactive tool, allows the Statistical Office to build a mutual relationship with users, who are considered equal statistical partners. The survey provides valuable information on users? needs for official statistics results, their satisfaction with the data and services produced by Montenegro?s official statistical system, and serves as the basis for continuous work on improving the quality of statistical outputs and services. It also supports the development of action plans in the area of quality assurance within the Montenegrin statistical system and the enhancement of user satisfaction levels. The results of the survey are available on the Statistical Office?s website at the following link: https://monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1502&pageid=1 |
| 12.3. Completeness: | |
| 13. Accuracy and reliability Top | |
| 13.1. Overall accuracy: | The Statistical Office, in accordance with the Census Law, conducted the post-census survey to measure coverage and accuracy. It was conducted from 22 to 28 January 2024. The aim of the post - census survey is to assess the coverage of census units and the quality of responses collected by the census. The post-census survey was conducted on a sample of 66 census enumeration areas, covering all local government units. |
| 13.2. Sampling error: | Not applicable to the census. |
| 13.3. Non-sampling error: | Non-sampling errors are errors of over-coverage, under-coverage, measurement and processing errors, editing and imputation of data, and non-response. |
| 14. Timeliness and punctuality Top | |
| 14.1. Timeliness: | The census was conducted from 3 to 30 December 2023. Preliminary results were published on January 25, 2024. The final results of the census were published on 15 October 2024. Thereafter, processing and dissemination continued. |
| 14.2. Punctuality: | In 2024, there were no deviations between the dates announced in the Statistical Data Release Calendar and the actual publication dates. Indicator TP3 is 0, indicating no discrepancy between the planned and actual release dates. |
| 15. Coherence and Comparability Top | |
| 15.1. Comparability - geographical: | Geographic comparability is possible with all countries in the region that have implemented and organized the census following international recommendations regarding the timing of the census and the rules and definitions used in the census. |
| 15.2. Comparability over time: | Full comparability of the 2023 census is ensured with population data from 2011. For other years, comparability is partial due to the application of a different definition of population, as well as different definitions and concepts for certain population characteristics. |
| 15.3. Coherence - cross domain: | Population Census figures may differ from those available through National Accounts or Labour Force Survey. |
| 15.4. Coherence - internal: | Data are checked for internal consistency. |
| 17. Data revision Top | |
| 17.1. Data revision - policy: | Statistical Office has adopted the revision policy and it is available on the website http://www.monstat.org/eng/page.php?id=1411&pageid=1411 |
| 17.2. Data revision - practice: | The Census Law requires that preliminary data be published within 30 days following the completion of field data collection, specifically concerning the number of enumerated units (persons, households, and dwellings). Final population data were published in October 2024. This constitutes, by definition, a regular and planned revision. No unplanned revisions of census data occurred in 2024. |
| 18. Statistical processing Top | |
| 18.1. Source data: | |
| 18.2. Frequency of data collection: | The census is typically carried out every ten years. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and specific social circumstances, it was conducted in 2023. |
| 18.3. Data collection: | Data were collected on tha way that the enumerator filled out paper forms on basic data obtained from the respondents. Coverage was provided by a door-to-door interview. |
| 18.6. Adjustment: | |
| 19. Comment Top | |
