Mapping Denmark - the use of administrative defined areas in demographic and health analyses

Beskrivelse

Administrative defined areas have been used as geographic dividing lines in social and health related studies in both Danish and international context in decades. This paper presents the possibilities and use of administrative defined areas as unit of interest in analyses of demographics and health.
In 2007, a structural reform was implemented in Denmark, meaning 271 municipalities were joined into 98, and 16 counties became five regions. Statistics Denmark, managing individually leveled register data on each person residing in Denmark, published 'The New Demographic Map of Denmark', stressing the new demographic conditions regarding e.g. age distribution, fertility, and average lifespan. The new analyses were essential as conditions changed and just one example stressing the impact of changes in administrative boarders. The parish is the smallest administrative unit in Denmark and an example of geographical units constantly changing. Historically, registration of changes in demographic components is linked to religious ceremonies in parishes and established in early 18th century. The Health Profiles are an example of the use of municipalities and regions; with published profiles of the health status of the population regarding e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, self-rated health, and STDs. With an eye on limitations in administrative defined areas as relevant units of analyses, attempts have been made to utilize areas and different area characteristics to generate new areas. The paper presents ways by which such new areas are constructed and used.

Periode	29 mar. 2016 → 3 apr. 2016
Sted for afholdelse	Association of American Geographers (AAG)