Development of National Statistical Systems

One of the main functions of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) is to assist countries in their efforts to strengthen their National Statistical Systems.

With the help of statistical offices around the world, UNSD launched in July 2006 this Development of National Statistical Systems website, to serve as the knowledge centre on official statistics. The development of this website reflects the strong commitment of UNSD to facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices in the management and development of national statistical systems. This work started with the collation of good practices in the application of the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. Since then, we have continuously improved the contents and functionalities of our website.

This website is a searchable repository, providing information on current practices in National Statistical Systems around the world, and international guidelines on statistical organizations. It contains documentations on:

Country profiles of National Statistical Systems, which provides general information on National Statistical Systems (history, legal framework, data collection and dissemination, etc.)

Key features of National Statistical Systems, which displays documents provided by countries on topics of relevance for the success of statistical agencies as well as documentation on national practices (e.g. Legislation, History and Governance of National Statistical Systems, IT Systems, Management and Database Development Strategies)

Good practices in National Statistical Systems, which gives examples of how countries are implanting the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, in order to assist countries in the development of their national statistical system. We actively promote the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics which were adopted by the Statistical Commission in 1994. We provide direct assistance in the implementation of the Fundamental Principles and compile best practices. We facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practices in all aspects of the development of national statistical systems

The Handbook of Statistical Organization, Third Edition, covering the fundamentals of national systems of official statistics: general principles, data collection and respondent policies, principles of organization and management, and dissemination guidelines. The intended audience for the Handbook are both chief statisticians (and their colleagues) and those charged with oversight of the official statistics function.

This website should be considered as a living repository of information on national statistical systems. It is periodically updated with information provided by countries.