This has been done since 1957 because, according to the state office, it is a quick and reliable way of collecting population and employment statistics and their changes for political, administrative and economic purposes.

In this official statistical survey, 1 percent of households are interviewed. For the survey, the state office continues to rely in part on specially trained volunteer survey officers who contact households by letter to arrange a telephone interview.

The survey officers are bound to strict confidentiality. They can also legitimize themselves with the help of an ID card. Households that do not wish to be interviewed by telephone have the option of providing their information online or receiving a paper questionnaire on request.

However, the majority of households to be surveyed will be contacted directly by the state office and asked for information.

Further information can be found on the website of the State Office or by telephone on 0511 / 9898-4455 or by e-mail at mikrozensusstatistik.niedersachsende