Chapter 2 - Official Statistics - a general overview

   

 

Official statistics provide a factual basis for the assessment and decisions on economic, social and environmental issues at all levels of society. Indeed, official statistics are core information to evaluate and formulate policies and monitor measures that national authorities may undertake to influence developments and improve the prevailing situation. This Chapter comprises a summary of the major topics covered in the Handbook, insisting on the institutional and organizational frameworks as well as governance mechanisms securing trust, independence, professionalism and quality of official statistics.