German statistical authorities are to begin conducting a nationwide census on May 15 for the first time in 11 years.

More than 30 million people would be interviewed nationwide, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) announced on Thursday.

A sample of 10.2 million randomly selected people would be asked to give information including their name, gender, marital status and nationality.

According to the Destatis, about three-quarters of those will also be asked to answer an extended questionnaire that includes their qualifications and occupation.

The approximately 300,000 people who live in temporary or shared accommodation would also be taken into account.

In addition, all 23 million owners or administrators of residential property would be asked to provide information about their apartments and residential buildings.

For the first time in the history of the survey, the 2022 census would ask about rental prices, the duration and reason for vacancies and the energy source of the heating system.

“In this way, we are addressing current data requirements and providing an important data foundation for future planning,’’ Destatis official Stefan Dittrich said.

Only some of the questions would be answered in short personal interviews, while most of them can be answered online.

The information will be used anonymously. The surveys are to be completed by mid-August.

The census took place every 10 years, but the date was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

(dpa/NAN)