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.