Closely tied to previous pieces on the census and national statistics is civil registration – registration of births, marriages and deaths (and some other things too).
In official terms, it effectively marks the start of, any changes to and end of a person’s citizenship.
Scotland – Civil registration is the responsibility of National Records Scotland, which also acts as Scotland’s official statistics agency and undertakes the Scottish census. The procedure is largely the same as in EnglandandWales, though the time limits are different – a requirement to register a birth or stillbirth within 21 days (shorter than in Wales), while 8 days for a death (longer than in Wales).
Republic of Ireland – Civil registration is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE); the equivalent of the NHS. The service is broadly similar to that provided in EnglandandWales, though the procedures are slightly different. For example, registrations often take place at local healthcare centres than with local authorities.
Iceland – There’s a single national agency (Registers Iceland) where information is not only collected for births, marriages and deaths but also when relocating to, from or within the country. The agency also issues passports, ID cards, certificates of competence, manages the electoral register and certificates of citizenship/naturalisation.
Switzerland – Municipalities are generally responsible for maintaining civil registration records. Swiss registry offices also maintain a “family register” which records details of a family (spouses and children), not just individuals – which can help genealogical research.
Japan – The Japanese system is based on a single family record (koseki). It’s a legal requirement for Japanese citizens to update the record when major life events occur. The records are managed by local authorities.
