Tilastointisäännöt

Tilastointisäännöt are a set of principles and guidelines used in the Finnish statistical tradition to ensure that data collection, processing, and presentation are conducted consistently and transparently. These rules cover methodological aspects such as sampling strategy, measurement validity, level of data classification, and quality control. They also provide normative frameworks for the compilation of national statistics, ensuring comparability across different time periods and regions.

The primary objective of tilastointisäännöt is to promote statistical reliability and validity, allowing policymakers, researchers, and the public to base decisions on trustworthy information. They specify procedures for data triangulation, handling of missing values, and confidentiality protection. In addition, the rules address the proper use of statistical units, reference periods, and statistical estimates, emphasizing reproducibility and clarity in reporting.

In practice, Finland’s Statistics Center and other institutions apply tilastointisäännöt when producing economic indicators, demographic surveys, labor market reports, and environmental data. Internationally, these guidelines align with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European statistical directives, facilitating cross‑border data comparison. By adhering to tilastointisäännöt, Finnish statistics are regarded as credible and methodologically sound, supporting evidence‑based governance and fostering public trust in statistical outputs.