Censuses in Ukraine have played an integral role in documenting the nation's demographic landscape and cultural diversity. Conducted periodically, these censuses serve as vital repositories of historical data, offering valuable insights into the population's composition, migration patterns, linguistic diversity, and socio-economic dynamics across different eras in Ukrainian history.
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History of Ukrainian censuses
The history of censuses in Ukraine spans centuries, reflecting the country's intricate political and social transformations. Census-taking practices date back to various historical periods, including the times of the Ukrainian Hetmanate, the Russian Empire's rule, the Soviet era, and into contemporary independent Ukraine. Each census, shaped by the prevailing political environment, has documented crucial demographic shifts influenced by wars, administrative changes, and societal developments.
In total, from 1897 to 2001, there were 13 population censuses conducted within the territory of present-day Ukraine:
- 1897 - Russian Empire
- 1900 - Austro-Hungarian Empire
- 1926 - Soviet Union
- 1930 - Romania
- 1930 - Czechoslovakia
- 1931 - Poland
- 1937 - Soviet Union
- 1939 - Soviet Union
- 1959 - Soviet Union
- 1970 - Soviet Union
- 1979 - Soviet Union
- 1989 - Soviet Union
- 2001 - Ukraine
Early periods
During the times of the Ukrainian Hetmanate and the Cossack era, rudimentary census-like surveys were conducted to assess military capabilities, tax obligations, and land distribution among the population. These records were primarily focused on demographic data to support administrative and military needs.
Imperial Russia
The first comprehensive census of the population residing within the territory of Ukraine occurred in January 1897. It was the "First General All-Russian Population Census," which covered the Ukrainian population within the boundaries of the Russian Empire. It was the first national census of the Russian Empire, which included Ukrainian territories. This census was expansive in scope, gathering detailed information on demographics, languages spoken, religions practiced, and occupations. However, these censuses often reflected the centralized nature of the Imperial administration, sometimes underestimating or misrepresenting certain ethnic or linguistic groups.
Ukrainians residing in the territory of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were enumerated in the year 1900.
Soviet era
The Soviet period brought a systematic approach to census-taking. Regular censuses were conducted in the USSR, including Ukrainian territories. These censuses were highly structured, designed to collect extensive data for central planning and administrative purposes. They captured information on ethnicity, language, education, employment, and housing conditions, often emphasizing the Soviet ideal of multiculturalism while occasionally politicizing ethnic identities.
The first population census in the USSR was conducted in 1926 and is still considered the most organized and professionally conducted. However, comparing the data from this census with subsequent censuses is rather challenging because the administrative-territorial division of the USSR was different from today's.
The next Soviet census took place in 1937. Its results were declared falsified, and the specialists (who, incidentally, had also conducted the 1926 census) were mostly executed. Two reasons are given to explain why this happened: 1) an extremely high percentage of "believers," which indicated the failure of the atheistic policy, and 2) an extremely low indicator of the Ukrainian population, which was evidence of human losses during the famine of 1932-1933 due to the Great Ukrainian Femine (the Holodomor).
Two years later, in 1939, a repeat population census was conducted, the results of which were acknowledged as truthful. Starting from 1959, population censuses were regularly conducted in the USSR at 10-year intervals.[1]
Post-Soviet Ukraine
Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, the country conducted its first national census in 2001 as an independent state. This census aimed to establish a comprehensive demographic profile, documenting the population's composition, linguistic diversity, and socio-economic characteristics in the newly formed nation. The second All-Ukrainian Population Census was initially scheduled for the year 2010; however, due to a series of postponements, it was intended to take place only in 2023. Yet, due to the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, it was postponed indefinitely.[2]
Where to Find Ukrainian сensus records
Accessing Ukrainian census records for genealogical research can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Several archives and repositories house these records, including the State Archive Services of Ukraine, regional archives, and specialized genealogical institutions. The National Archives of Ukraine and regional state archives preserve historical census materials, albeit accessibility might vary due to differing archive policies and the state of digitization.
Navigating Ukrainian census records for genealogical purposes might require linguistic proficiency, as many records are in Ukrainian or Russian. Engaging with local experts, genealogical societies, and professional researchers could prove beneficial in deciphering and interpreting these records effectively.
See also
Explore more on Ukrainian census records
- Ukrianian vital records collection at MyHeritage
- Ethnicity map of Ukraine at MyHeritage