All-Union Censuses of 1959–1989 as a Source of Historical and Demographic Data on the Urban Population

This article analyzes the content of four All-Union Population Censuses (1959, 1970, 1979 and 1989) using methods of internal criticism and comparative analysis of sources. The analysis includes systematized data stored in state archives across the country and statistical compilations published for official purposes. The study found that the censuses were an accurate source of statistical information. The proportion of people not counted declined and did not exceed 0.4 percent of the total USSR population. Information about regions and republics was not always accurate due to policies of the government to hide information about certain categories of population, such as military personnel, KGB agents, and workers in certain industries. This paper suggests a method for estimating population growth based on Soviet data and the 2002 Russian census. Increments were small in Russia as a whole and were greatest in areas with closed cities. They had little impact on estimates of natural growth and migration, except in the period 1989-1991. Most census data is available for research in central and local archives and some libraries, but some information may be missing or not transferred from departments to archives. The Russian State Archives of Economics have the most comprehensive data. Some statistics have been published, including collections for official use, which are valuable. The results allow scientists to understand trends in population numbers, social classes, ages, genders, ethnicities, and dynamics during this period. In future, it may be possible to create specific tables for each census with detailed information.