Get access to individual-level data from Sweden’s 1950 census.
The FOLK1950 database contains detailed records of everyone registered in Sweden in 1950 – over seven million individuals. Initially digitized by ArkivDigital for genealogical purposes, the dataset was later acquired by Umeå University for academic research. Researchers can request access to the data via CEDAR (Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research).
The Role of Census Data in Population Studies
Sweden has a long tradition of using population censuses to monitor demographic changes and social structure. The first nationwide census was carried out by Tabellverket in 1749. Until the 1940s, census data largely relied on information from church records, particularly parish registers and household examination books.
A Longstanding Tradition of Population Statistics
Between 1860 and 1930, Sweden conducted censuses every ten years, switching to a five-year cycle thereafter, with a few exceptions. Older censuses are available in printed form as part of the Contributions to the Official Statistics of Sweden (BiSOS) and the Official Statistics of Sweden (SOS) series.
Digitized versions of the 1860–1910 censuses, as well as parts of the 1930 census, are accessible through the SwedPop portal and the Swedish National Archives’ Digital Research Room.
From the mid-20th century, population censuses were integrated with housing statistics, leading to Population and Housing Censuses (FoB), conducted every five years between 1965 and 1990.
The 1950 Census – A Turning Point in Data Collection
The 1950 census marked a turning point in how data was gathered. A government decree in 1949 ended the practice of having local parish offices manually compile data. Instead, data collection was centralized, resulting in more uniform and accessible statistics.
The FOLK1950 database provides individual records for all persons registered in Sweden at the time, with detailed information on:
· Name
· Date and place of birth
· Marital status
· Residential address
· Military service number (for men)
· Occupational classification (standardized and coded using the HISCO classification system)
Geographical variables are also coded using established standards, facilitating systematic and cross-national comparative analysis.
Researchers interested in using FOLK1950 must submit a request to CEDAR. All applications are reviewed by CEDAR’s Approval Committee (Tillståndsgruppen), and any use of sensitive personal data—whether direct or indirect—requires prior ethical approval.
For inquiries or to submit a data request, please contact CEDAR’s data request coordinator, Maria J Wisselgren.
Interested in Swedish Census-Based Research?
Here are a few recommended studies:
Wisselgren, M. J., Edvinsson, S., Berggren, M., & Larsson, M. (2014).
Testing Methods of Record Linkage on Swedish Censuses. Historical Methods, 47(3), 138–151.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01615440.2014.913967
Axelsson, P., & Wisselgren, M. J. (2016).
Sweden in 1930 and the 1930 census. The History of the Family, 21(1), 61–86.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1081602X.2015.1040048
Wisselgren, M. J., & Vikström, L. (2023).
Behind the numbers: authorities’ approach to measuring disability in Swedish populations from 1860 to 1930. Historical Methods, 56(2), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/01615440.2023.2186998
