1865 Norway Census

The 1865 Census

The 1865 Census was held on December 31st and registered information for just over 1.6 million individuals residing in Norway at the time. This Census introduced the self-count system; in urban areas, landlords were requested to personally complete the census forms, which were then collected at district level. In addition to the number of households, the census also provides information on each individual, such as name, family position, gender, marital status, occupation, any handicaps and ethnicity; the latter in aims of obtaining information on Samis and people of Finnish origin.

Two new questions were asked; namely place of birth and religious affiliation. Another important factor is that the names of smallholdings were also included this time. The census contains two types of lists; the actual census lists with information on individuals and a total overview of population count and the number of residential buildings and households in each property. In rural areas, the smallholdings are listed under the larger farms.

This Collection

Users may find the following details for individuals found in the census (where available):

• Name
• Gender
• Relation to Head
• Marital Status
• Birth Date
• Birth Place
• Mental Illness
• Residence
• Nationality
• Language