Finland Census

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Finland

Census

Resources

Online Resources

• 1621-1637 Maatalouden veroluettelot(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images
• 1635-1809 Uudempi tilikirjakokoelma, läänintilit, 1635-1809(*) at FamilySearch Catalog - images

Background

A census is a count and description of the population. In Finland records similar to census records are called henkikirjat/mantalslängder. These records were a type of population registration kept for taxation purposes. Various tax lists were kept from the 1530s on; however, they are not as comprehensive as the henkikirjat/mantalsängder, which began in 1634.

Types of Censuses

Henkikirjat/mantalslängder: a type of population registration kept for taxation purposes; began in 1634. They precede the earliest church records and can frequently be used to extend family lines beyond what is recorded in the church records. They also can be used to fill in information where the church records have gaps or are missing. The henkikirjat/mantalslängder for 1634 to 1809 are part of the Uudempi tilikirjakokoelma/Nyare räkenskapssamlingen (New Collection of Accounts).

Another record similar to a census is the communion book. For more information, see Finland Church Records.

Information Recorded in the Records

Various age groups were included in the early henkikirjat/mantalslängder:

1634–1651: persons over age 12 (The henkikirjat/mantalslängder for 1634 to 1809 are part of the Uudempi tilikirjakokoelma/Nyare räkenskapssamlingen (New Collection of Accounts). See Finland Public Records for a description of this source.)
1652–1855: persons between ages 15 and 63
1655 on: persons between ages 15 and 63 and heads of households over age 63

Before 1765 some people did not have to register for the henkikirjat/mantalslängder because they did not have to pay the associated taxes:

From 1640 on, the nobility and their servants did not have to register.

From 1652 on, owners of large estates did not have to register.

Soldiers generally did not have to register while they served.

Very poor people did not have to register.

After 1765 the government began to use the henkikirjat/mantalslängder for statistical purposes; therefore, everyone—including people exempt from the taxes—was required to register. People gradually complied.

Strategy

Before using original census records, first use the Suomen asutuksen yleisluettelo/ Generalregistret över bosättningen i Finland (General Register of Settlement in Finland). This register includes 1539 to 1809. See Finland Public Records for more information.

The henkikirjat/mantalslängder records are grouped in two time periods:

• 1634–1809
• 1810–1860

All of the records have a similar format, listing the districts, parishes, and villages. Within each village, the taxpayers are listed by household. The head of the household is listed by name. Other members of the household are indicated by numbers in various columns. In many of the later records, all members of the household are listed by name. Ages are frequently mentioned.

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