Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our services, data access, statistical methods, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our support team for assistance.
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Data Access
Questions about accessing statistical data, microdata, and data portals
Browse Questions →Quality Standards
Questions about data quality, accuracy, and international standards
Browse Questions →Technical Support
Technical questions about websites, portals, and digital services
Browse Questions →Data Access FAQs
How can I access statistical data from NBS?
There are several ways to access statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics:
- Public Data Portals: Access aggregated data through our open data portal and specialized data portals
- Statistical Publications: Download reports, bulletins, and yearbooks from our publications section
- Data Requests: Submit formal data requests for customized datasets or microdata access
- API Access: Developers can access data programmatically through our REST API
Most public data is available free of charge, while specialized services may involve processing fees.
What is the difference between microdata and aggregated data?
Microdata and aggregated data serve different purposes and have different access requirements:
Microdata
- Individual-level data records
- Contains detailed information
- Requires special access approval
- Used for advanced research
- Subject to confidentiality protection
Aggregated Data
- Summarized data (totals, averages)
- No individual identification
- Publicly accessible
- Used for general analysis
- Available through data portals
Microdata access requires completing a data access application and signing a data use agreement to ensure confidentiality protection.
How long does it take to process a data request?
Data request processing times vary depending on the complexity and type of request:
- Standard Requests: 5-10 working days for pre-existing aggregated data
- Custom Analysis: 2-4 weeks for customized data extraction and analysis
- Microdata Access: 4-6 weeks including review process and agreement signing
- Complex Requests: Timeline determined case-by-case based on resource requirements
You will receive confirmation of your request submission and regular updates on the processing status. Urgent requests may be expedited for government agencies and partners working on time-sensitive projects.
Are there any costs associated with accessing NBS data?
Our data access policy follows a tiered approach:
Free Access
- All aggregated data through public portals
- Statistical publications and reports
- API access for non-commercial use
- Data for academic and research purposes
Cost-Recovery Services
- Custom data analysis and extraction
- Large-scale microdata processing
- Commercial use of specialized datasets
- Priority processing services
Cost-recovery fees are calculated based on the resources required to fulfill the request. Detailed pricing information is available in our Data Services Fee Schedule.
Publications FAQs
What types of publications does NBS produce?
The National Bureau of Statistics produces a wide range of statistical publications:
- Statistical Yearbooks: Comprehensive annual compilation of key statistics
- Statistical Bulletins: Regular updates on specific economic and social indicators
- Census Reports: Detailed analysis of population and housing census data
- Survey Reports: Results from household, agricultural, and economic surveys
- Methodological Papers: Technical documentation of statistical methods
- SDG Progress Reports: Monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals indicators
All publications are available in both digital and print formats, with most recent publications accessible through our website.
How often are statistical publications updated?
Publication frequencies vary by type and data availability:
Publication Schedule
- Monthly: Consumer Price Index, Trade Statistics
- Quarterly: GDP estimates, Labor Force Statistics
- Annual: Statistical Yearbook, National Accounts
- Ad-hoc: Census reports, Special survey results
- Biannual: Poverty assessment updates
The complete publication calendar is available on our website and is updated annually. Users can subscribe to receive notifications when new publications are released.
Methodology FAQs
What statistical methods does NBS use for data collection?
NBS employs various statistical methods tailored to different data collection needs:
Survey Methods
- Probability sampling techniques
- Stratified random sampling
- Cluster sampling for household surveys
- Systematic sampling for establishment surveys
Data Sources
- Administrative records
- Census enumeration
- Sample surveys
- Remote sensing data
All methodologies are documented in technical reports and follow international statistical standards to ensure data quality and comparability.
Services FAQs
What statistical services does NBS provide to researchers?
NBS offers comprehensive services to support academic and policy research:
- Data Access Services: Microdata access, customized datasets, and data linkage
- Statistical Consultation: Methodological advice and technical support
- Training Programs: Statistical methods, data analysis, and software training
- Research Collaboration: Partnership opportunities for joint research projects
- Data Validation: Verification and validation of research findings
Researchers can contact our Research Support Unit for assistance with their specific requirements.
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