The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is a government agency in Saudi Arabia responsible for the implementation of statistical works including the conducting of national surveys.[1][2]
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]
