Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics

The need for a common set of principles governing official statistics became evident during the political and institutional transitions in Europe at the end of the 1980s. These transitions highlighted the importance of protecting the professional integrity, independence, and credibility of national statistical systems.

The Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 January 2014 (Resolution 68/261), provide the normative foundation for official statistics worldwide. Together, the principles define the ethical, professional, and institutional conditions under which official statistics can serve the public good.

From ORBICAP’s perspective, the principles should be understood as a coherent governance framework, rather than as isolated requirements. They underpin statistical legislation, quality assurance frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and trust in official statistics across national and international contexts.

The Ten Principles - a system perspective

1. Official statistics as a public good

Official statistics provide indispensable information for democratic societies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizens’ right to information.

2. Professional independence

Statistical authorities must have the professional autonomy to decide on methods, standards, and dissemination, free from political or other undue influence.

3. Scientific standards and transparency

Statistics must be produced and communicated in accordance with sound scientific principles, with transparent documentation of sources and methods.

4. Correct use and interpretation

Statistical authorities have the right and responsibility to address misuse and misinterpretation of statistics, safeguarding their credibility.

5. Appropriate data sources

Official statistics may draw on surveys, administrative data, and other sources, selected based on quality, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and respondent burden.

6. Confidentiality and data protection

Individual data collected for statistical purposes must be strictly confidential and used exclusively for statistical production.

7. Legal and institutional framework

Statistical systems must be governed by publicly accessible laws and regulations that ensure transparency and accountability.

8. Coordination within the statistical system

Effective coordination among statistical producers is essential for consistency, efficiency, and coherence across the national statistical system.

9. Use of international standards

International concepts, classifications, and methods promote comparability and consistency at national and international levels.

10. International cooperation

Bilateral and multilateral cooperation supports the development of statistical systems and strengthens global statistical capacity.

Role of the Fundamental Principles in statistical systems

The Fundamental Principles form the ethical and institutional backbone of:

• statistical legislation and mandates;

• quality assurance frameworks such as national and international QAFs;

• process models, including the GSBPM; and

• international reporting frameworks, including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

By adhering to these principles, statistical authorities protect the credibility, relevance, and integrity of official statistics in a rapidly changing data ecosystem.

Source: United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/261 (2014)

Related frameworks and ethical codes:

• Principles Governing International Statistical Activities (UNSD)

• Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice (American Statistical Association)

• the first six principles of the Code of Practice (Eurostat)

• Declaration on Professional Ethics (ISI)

This page was updated in February 2026.