Demographic and Social Statistics

The United Nations Statistics Division collects, compiles and disseminates official demographic and social statistics on a range of topics. In terms of demographic statistics, since 1948, data have been collected annually from national statistical offices, and published in the United Nations Demographic Yearbook Collection. Mandated by the Economic and Social Council in 1947, first published in 1949, and this year marking its 70th Edition, the Demographic Yearbook Collection remains one of the oldest and most respected collection of historical and contemporary demographic data of all countries and areas of the world. During the course of its history, the content, processes and implementing tools of the Demographic Yearbook System have undergone continuous developments, including in recent years developments in online data dissemination, with most of the currently collected data and the majority of historical and current vital statistics published online. It is in the context of further improving and developing the Demographic Yearbook System, that UNSD is organizing this Expert Group Meeting, seeking experts’ inputs on best practices and contemporary approaches in demographic data collection, application of concepts and definitions in national circumstances and improvements of metadata, as well as demographic data and metadata dissemination.

The purpose of the Expert Group Meeting is to review the Demographic Yearbook system of data collection and dissemination and propose strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the system and strengthen its outreach programme.