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- Official statistics: a strong identity
Official statistics: a strong identity
In France, official statistics are produced by statistical offices located in government departments. These offices display a relative consistency, due both to their functions and to the rules under which they operate.
The official statistical system collects the data needed to compile quantitative results. In this capacity, it undertakes censuses and surveys, manages databases, and also draws on administrative sources.
The official statistical system produces quantitative information that constitutes the official data on which public debate will center. It constructs and computes the main indices and indicators for assessing the demographic, economic, social, and environmental conditions of France and its population.
The official statistical system analyzes the quantitative information at its disposal and uses it as the input for the studies needed to interpret the results obtained. The system gives access to the full array of information that it compiles. For each user group (government bodies, businesses, researchers, teachers, journalists or ordinary citizens), the information produced is sold or made available free of charge in paper format, on computer media (CD-ROMs) or electronically (Internet).
Characteristics of the French public statistics system
- A single legal and institutional framework: The basic legislation on official statistics is on legal obligation, coordination, and confidentiality in the field of statistics.
- A widespread presence throughout central-government administrative bodies: Public-sector statisticians are present in nearly all government ministries, in many public agencies, and even in private-sector entities performing public-service missions.
- Strong coordination: Official-statistics production is institutionally coordinated by the National Council for Statistical Information
- Combining research/analysis and statistical production: Economic and social information is not fully conveyed by statistics. Analysis and interpretation are needed as well.
- A clearcut international involvement: France's official statistical system contributes to the development of concepts and data at the European and global levels through its presence in international organizations.
A central role
Among the twenty or so ministerial statistical offices that constitute the official statistical system, INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique and des Études Économiques: National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) plays a central role, ensuring overall coherence.
