The non-observed economy comprises production activities that are illegal, underground, informal, or otherwise missed by the statistical system. Unless efforts are made to deal with such activities, economic indicators are under estimated. This can be a serious issue, particularly in transition and emerging economies. Given the miscellany of possible approaches, there is a need to identify and promote international best practice. This is the aim of the Handbook for Measurement of the Non-Observed Economy.

Custodian: OECD