Statistics - Italy

Updated 12/2010

Legal requirements

Italian businesses are required to provide statistical data requested by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).

In 2008, the Italian government set up a series of initiatives with the objective of reducing the economic and administrative burden of transmitting this data.

Legislation on the National Statistical System
Cutting of administrative costs

Bodies responsible for statistics

The Italian National Institute for Statistics (ISTAT) carries out statistical surveys and is funded by public and private bodies on a national, regional and local level. This network of bodies, coordinated by the National Institute for Statistics , is called SISTAN, the National Statistical System.

Italian National Institute for Statistics - ISTAT
Surveys: Questionnaires and information - ISTAT
National Statistical System - SISTAN

The information is only used for statistical purposes and may not be shared with entities outside the National Statistical System, whether private or public, nor may it be distributed, unless it is grouped and presented in such a way that anonymity is ensured.

Privacy and obligations - Italian National Institute of Statistics

Having said this, participation in a survey done by the Italian National Institute for Statistics is quite rare and many businesses are never contacted.

Types of statistics

The data collected depends on the business sector of the company and the method of surveying used.

Surveys: questionnaires and information

Using the surveys and censuses, the National Institute for Statistics produces information on different economic, social, territorial and environmental aspects. This statistical information is then compiled and made available to the public and businesses.

Administrative procedures

Submitting statistics

Businesses subject to statistical surveys are initially contacted by post: they receive a letter from the president of the Italian National Institute for Statistics or from the mayor of the town council. The survey can be carried out by post, telephone or in person, depending on the subject of the study.

The Italian National Institute for Statistics is gradually introducing online procedures for all of the statistical survey methods.

Surveys: questionnaires and information
Indata - Site for purchasing ISTAT data

Resources

Statistical information is available on the website for the Italian National Institute for Statistics in the form of press releases, explanatory pamphlets, publications, databases, information systems and data files.

Data and products - ISTAT
Guide to distribution services - ISTAT

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Statistics - Italy