News about Statistics Norway

The 2013 edition of the Statistical Yearbook of Norway was the final edition. Some of the tables from the yearbook will, however, be continued under the relevant statistical areas.

Statistics Norway has been responsible for data collection in Norway for the European Social Survey since its beginning in 2002. Data can be downloaded from the European Social Surveys webpage.

After 20 years at Kongensgate 6, Statistics Norway’s Oslo office is moving to newly renovated premises at Akersveien 26. We will therefore be closed between at 12 noon and 4pm on Friday, with a few exceptions.

2013 is the International Year of Statistics. All over the world, this is marked in various ways by public authorities, organizations and companies working with statistics. The purpose of the celebration is to raise awareness of statistics and to contribute to an increased understanding of the importance of statistics in society.

A total of 60 per cent of the population report a good overall impression of Statistics Norway, according to Synovate’s most recent survey on the public's impression of 83 government agencies in Norway. This is very much the same result as in recent years. The average score for all agencies was 44 per cent.

"Statistics is an international language, and I am delighted with the international statistical cooperation that is increasing in scope and significance", says Øystein Olsen, Director General of Statistics Norway, in connection with the celebration of World Statistics Day on 20 October 2010.

In 1814 Norway gained independence from Denmark, and although in a loose union with Sweden until 1905, the country had its own constitution and its own parliament and other public institutions. A few years later an initiative to produce a comprehensive and consistent statistical account of the population and economic activities began to take form, which resulted in a six volume statistical description of the kingdom of Norway. In the 1830s the Department of finance, trade and customs began issuing publications containing official statistical tables in the areas of: Population, Agriculture, Trade and shipping and Vital statistics.

In 2009, the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress submitted a report recommending indicators to be used in order to establish the clearest picture of social progress. The Commission`s mandate was to examine existing goals for economic development and their relevance to the well-being of society, as well as economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Nobel Prize winner of economics, Joseph Stiglitz, headed the Commission, which was also made up of a number of distinguished economists and social scientists.