Labour force estimates for small geographical domains in Italy: problems, data and models

One of the contexts where small area estimation techniques have proved their potential is the analysis of data collected in national labour force surveys to obtain estimates for small geographical domains. Applications of small area estimation methods to data from labour force surveys have recently been considered in Italy. This paper gives a review of specific problems, data and opportunities for the application of small area estimation models for producing reliable information at provincial and sub-provincial level in Italy on labour force aggregates. Some new developments stimulated by the application of small area estimation models to the analysis of labour force survey data are also discussed.