The birth of population statistics in Sweden

Abstract

In 1749, Sweden established a system for population statistics (Tabellverket) that annually presented data for important demographic events in the 2500 parishes of the country. Taxation records and church book registration were important antecedents, as were the temporal events of wars, famines, and raging epidemics. During a period of recovery, Sweden went through political changes. Influenced by international political arithmetic and mercantilism, the establishment of Tabellverket was part of a plan to increase and rationalize the population. The existence of a medical organization and a central administrative system helped, but even more important were the networks that included most of the influential people. Thus, clergy who were responsible for the compilation of data played a key role. By using the existing church organization, the project turned out to be realizable.

Keywords:

• Population statistics
• Tabellverket
• Sweden

Notes

1 The term Tabellverket is used for the population statistical forms that were filled with information in Swedish parishes from 1749 onward. The Table Commission (Tabellkommissionen) was the administrative unit responsible for the work. For an extensive history of Swedish population statistics (see Sköld, 2001).

2 Regional variations exist among taxation registers. Beginning in 1577, in the county of Westerbothnia, sons and sons-in-law, together with farmhands, had to pay an extra tax. Taxes for special occasions were levied as well, such as when Princess Elisabeth was about to marry in 1579 (Huss, 1902, pp. 23–24, 42–44).

3 These early church registers are valuable, for example, in studying migration, the nomadic proletariat, illegitimate births, stillbirths, sex ratios at birth, monthly distribution of births and deaths, and child and adult mortality (Bang, 1976, pp. 1–15).

4 Berch did not claim that his calculations were scientific proofs. He described them as illustrative examples meant for establishing a discussion leading to political action. For a discussion of Berch's statistical methods compared with European colleagues such as King, D'Avenant, Graunt, Petty, and Kersseboom, see Liedman (1986, pp. 159–69).

5 The reports were often extensive. See, for example, a 24-page report completed by the district physician of Värmland concerning fevers and dysentery (Letter from a district physician, Pehr Hamnerin, 1743; Letter from County Governor S. Thomeaus concerning dysentery, 1749). The commission had to apply for financial support when infectious diseases were especially virulent. A detailed report often followed the application. See, for example, Letter from the Health Commission, 1743. The establishment of Tabellverket also seems to have stimulated the clergy to compile records about certain diseases, which were sent to the Health Commission (Letter from Reverend C. Bengtsson, 1749).