PIP: In Czechoslovakia, the census bureau began compiling population statistics by settlements, a term equivalent to localities, in 1970 and 1980. The 1980 census further elaborated data by settlement unit, or ward. During data processing, each individual settlement received a code. Settlement statistics available for 1980 include population structure, housing, service facilities, environment, and agricultural and forest land stock. Compiling statistics by settlement works much better than the old method of compiling statistics by commune, with its problems of instability. Settlements, which are not territorial or administrative units, cover very small as well as large and medium-sized towns. As of 1980, Czechoslovakia contains 21,199 settlements, 15,291 in the Czech Socialist Republic and 5908 in the Slovak Socilaist Republic, a relatively dense network of settlements. 20,204 settlements, however, contain fewer than 2000 permanent residents, 825 have 2000-10,000 inhabitants, and 172 have more than 10,000 residents. This dense pattern of small towns was already established in the Middle Ages. Now, however, even residents of very small towns often work in larger settlements and commute to their jobs. The standard of living in the very small settlements is often higher than that of larger settlements. These differences are not changing but have remained the same over time.