Understanding Economic Statistics: An OECD Perspective

The media publish economic data on a daily basis. Governments make decisions affecting millions of people based on the economic statistics available to them. In countless different ways, economic statistics are a fundamental part of modern life, shaping the way we interpret and react to the world around us. But how are these statistics produced and who decides which statistics are useful and which are not? And how can we be sure of the quality of the statistics we read? This book shows readers how to use statistics to understand the world economy. It provides an overview of the history, key concepts, and main providers of economic statistics. It explores the crucial issue of quality assurance and the implications for public trust. Understanding the World Economy through OECD Statistics he media publish economic data on a daily basis. Governments make decisions affecting millions of people based on the economic statistics available to them. In countless different ways, economic statistics are a fundamental part of modern life, shaping the way we interpret and react to the world around us. But how are these statistics produced and who decides which statistics are useful and which are not? And how can we be sure of the quality of the statistics we read? This book shows readers how to use statistics to understand the world economy. It provides an overview of the history, key concepts, and main providers of economic statistics. It explores the crucial issue of quality assurance and the implications for public trust. Understanding the World Economy through OECD Statistics is an essential reference for anybody interested in better understanding the important role that economic statistics play in our lives.