The Statistics Department was established in the mid 1960’s. This function was secured under the Statistics Act of 1971, which was later revised to the Act of 2002.
The Statistics Department is under the authority of the Statistics Act of 2002, it is the duty of the Department to collect, compile, analyse, abstract and publish statistical information relative to the commercial, industrial, social, economic and general activities and conditions of the people who are the inhabitants of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Department undertakes two broad types of surveys, namely: household and business surveys. These surveys include, but are not limited to, the following:
Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Survey: This is an annual business survey that seeks to collect data for measuring transactions and investment positions between St. Kitts-Nevis and the rest of the world. The results are published as the Balance of Payments statistics.
Survey of Economic Activity: This is an establishment survey that collects data for measuring the level of economic activity by sector within St. Kitts-Nevis. The data set produced is referred to as the National Accounts Statistics or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates.
Visitor Expenditure Survey: Sometimes refer to as the Tourism Expenditure Survey, this study is designed to collect, and compile estimates mainly on the revenue by type of goods and services generated by persons visiting St. Kitts-Nevis. This survey is conducted by the Department of Statistics on average- once every three (3) years.
Labour Force Survey: This statistical survey is designed to capture data about the labour market.
Country Poverty Assessment: A project to study the nature and scope of poverty on St. Kitts-Nevis. This research study integrates a combination of household survey, interview of establishments and community focal group discussions to gauge to provide a framework for the assessment of the incidence of poverty and effectiveness of institutions to address the issue of poverty.
Agricultural Census: This household study is conducted on an ad-hoc basis, last exercise was conducted in the year 2000. The aim of this study is to gather information on agricultural production and practices.
Population and Housing Census: This census is conducted once every ten (10) years, and it is mandatory for every household to participate. It is a process of gathering information pertaining to the number and characteristics of all persons residing in the country. The last population and housing census was conducted in 2011, and the next round of census is scheduled for 2021.
The Department compiles a range social and economic statistical data by conducting household and business surveys. The information collected is important and useful to both the Government and private sector in formulating policies and making strategic decisions. Please co-operate in providing complete and accurate information; SUCCESS DEPENDS ON YOU!
Yes. Information provided to the Statistics Department is held strictly confidential and used only in aggregation- for statistical purposes. All officers must swear an “Oath of Secrecy” as embodied in the Statistics Act 2002. This Oath forbids officers from divulging the information collected to unauthorized persons/parties. Additionally, the Department adheres to international guidelines which advocate for the principles of professionalism and integrity, which are required to maintain credibility and public confidence in official statistics.
The Balance of Payments Manuel 6th Edition (BPM6) defines the balance of payments as “a statistical statement that systematically summarizes, for a specific time period, the economic transactions of an economy with the rest of the world”. Calculated also, is the International Investment Position (IIP). This is a representation of a country’s foreign stock of financial assets and the country’s liabilities to the Rest of the World as at a particular date.
The BOP and IIP statistical statements are very useful for the economy. It is used for policy making and analysis in a country. For example, The trade data in goods and services are used for national negotiations to obtain better relationships in international trade. The inward and outward foreign investment and the payment imbalances are normally the focus of many countries. This data is analysed and certain realizations are made such as the country’s ability to withstand internal and external shocks or disasters.
This is an establishment survey that collects data for measuring the level of economic activity by sector within St. Kitts-Nevis. The data set produced is referred to as the National Accounts Statistics or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates.
Sometimes refer to as the Tourism Expenditure Survey, this study is designed to collect, and compile estimates mainly on the revenue by type of goods and services generated by persons visiting St. Kitts-Nevis. This survey is conducted by the Department of Statistics on average- once every three (3) years.
Unlike a census a survey only gathers information from a portion of the population and seeks to generate information that is representative of the entire region. The Labour Force Survey seeks to provide information on the labour market within the federation. It provides estimates of employment and unemployment within the federation. LFS data provides an unemployment rate and other standard labour market indicators.
The Enhance Country Poverty Assessment is a project to study the nature and scope of poverty in St. Kitts-Nevis. This research study integrates a combination of household survey, interview of establishments and community focal group discussions to gauge to provide a framework for the assessment of the incidence of poverty and effectiveness of institutions to address the issue of poverty.
This household study is conducted on an ad-hoc basis, last exercise was conducted in the year 2000. The aim of this study is to gather information on agricultural production and practices.
This census is conducted once every ten (10) years, and it is mandatory for every household to participate. It is a process of gathering information pertaining to the number and characteristics of all persons residing in the country. The last population and housing census was conducted in 2011, and the next round of census is scheduled for 2021.