Chapter 1 - Introduction

   

 

External and sudden shocks such as natural disasters economic turmoil and sanitary crises give rise to the question about the value of official statistics, and, in particular, national statistical offices (NSOs), in assessing the impact of these disruptive events on society, the economy and the environment and, eventually informing tailored and effective recovery policies. This Chapter describes the purpose users and uses of the Handbook. It provides contemporary guidance and examples of how the COVID-19 pandemic and other external shocks have been opportunities for National Statistical Systems (NSS) to transform and modernize to remain relevant and address emerging data requests.