Censuses provide data which are comprehensive, reliable, summarised and comparable with other countries. A census is a very important and lasting activity covering a long-term process of data collection, processing and preparation of summary information.

Following the world practice, the frequency of overall censuses is no less than ten years. The terms, purposes and methodologies of censuses are based on the European Union legislation and recommendations of the United Nations. In Lithuania, a decision is made regarding the date, method and programme of a census.