World Statistics Day

World Statistics Day History

World Statistics Day is a global observance aimed at recognizing the importance of accurate, reliable and timely data for informed decision-making by governments, businesses, and individuals. The day advocates for the crucial role of good statistics in shaping societies, unfolding trends, and spotting issues that require immediate attention. It underscores the role of statistics in achieving sustainable development goals, augmenting transparency and accountability, and fostering democratic values.

World Statistics Day was first observed globally in 2010, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, to highlight statistics as a fundamental pillar of democracy and development. For New Zealand, statistics play a vital role in the country's development, policymaking and planning processes. The day is a reminder of New Zealand's robust statistical system that is critical for understanding demographic patterns, economic performance, social trends, environmental changes, and other key aspects. It brings to the fore the work of Statistics New Zealand, the country's premier stats body, and its dedicated efforts towards transparent, open and innovative statistical services.

In New Zealand, World Statistics Day is observed with an emphasis on education and awareness campaigns, seminars, and discussion forums that highlight the importance of statistics in everyday life. These events are aimed at promoting a understanding, and fostering respect for, the indispensable role that statistics play in shaping the country's present and future. While no specific date is dedicated to observing World Statistics Day in New Zealand, it is typically aligned with the global celebration date of October 20th, as established by the United Nations.

Facts about World Statistics Day

• The theme for World Statistics Day in 2020 was Connecting the world with data we can trust. The next time World Statistics Day is celebrated will be in 2025.
• It was not until the 19th century that statistics began to include all things related to collection, summary and analysis of data. Before the 19th century, data was mainly used to total resources, typically for military and tax purposes around the world.
• As of 2021, the median age of New Zealand's population is about 37.4 years, according to World Bank data.
• Data collected by Statistics New Zealand also reported that English and Maori were the two most-spoken languages in the country.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Statistics Day

Top things to do in NZ for World Statistics Day

• Spread awareness about the holiday by using the hashtag #WorldStatisticsDay #StatsMatter or #TruthinStats