General Authority for Statistics (Saudi Arabia)

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT; Arabic: الهيئة العامة للإحصاء) is a government agency in Saudi Arabia responsible for the implementation of statistical works including the conducting of national surveys.^[1][2]

General Authority for Statistics

الهيئة العامة للإحصاء
Agency overview
Formed	2015; 10 years ago (2015)
Jurisdiction	Government of Saudi Arabia
Headquarters	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Website	www.stats.gov.sa/en/

History

The statistical works in Saudi Arabia started early by establishing the Central Department of Statistics and Information in 1960 to be responsible for national statistics and information.^[3] In 2015, the Central Department of Statistics and Information was transformed into a public authority called the General Authority for Statistics.^[3]

Structure and responsibilities

The authority is governed by a board of directors that is headed by the Minister of Economy and Planning and formed by 15 relevant government entities and private sector institutions.^[4][5]

The responsibilities of the authority were defined by Article 4 of the Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. (11) issued in 2015.^[4] These responsibilities include developing the statistical work methodology, preparing and implementing surveys, conducting statistical research and analyzing data and information.^[4]