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 honour citizens’ entitlement to public information.

Principle 2. To retain trust in official statistics, the statistical agencies need to decide according to strictly professional
considerations, including scientific principles and professional

Principle 3. To facilitate a correct interpretation of the data, the statistical agencies are to present information according to scientific standards

on the sources, methods and procedures of the statistics.

Principle 4. The statistical agencies are entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

Principle 5. Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be they statistical surveys or administrative
records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents.

Principle 6. Individual data collected by statistical agencies for statistical compilation, whether they refer to natural or legal
persons, are to be strictly confidential and used exclusively for statistical purposes.

Principle 7. The laws, regulations and measures under which the statistical systems operate are to be made public.

Principle 8. Coordination among statistical agencies within countries is essential to achieve consistency and efficiency in the
statistical system.

Principle 9. The use by statistical agencies in each country of international concepts, classifications and methods promotes
the consistency and efficiency of statistical systems at all official levels.

Principle 10. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation in statistics contributes to the improvement of systems of official
statistics in all countries.