3.1 Overview

Principle 1 – Relevance, Impartiality and Equal Access

Official statistics provide an indispensable element in the information system of a democratic society, serving the Government, the economy, and the public with data about the economic, demographic, social, and environmental situation. To this end, official statistics that meet the test of practical utility are to be compiled and made available on an impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honor citizens’ entitlement to public information.

Principle 1 emphasizes the importance of relevance, impartiality, and equal access in compiling and disseminating Official Statistics. This principle is foundational, establishing the standard for how Official Statistics should be managed and presented to meet the needs of government and society effectively.