How modern society perceives the institute of state statistics

Abstract

The article reviewes general perception of the image of the state statistics in modern Russian society, that ensures the formation of official statistical information. The presented case studies show the strengths and weaknesses of the existing constraints and applicability of the statistics as a tool for learning. The author argues the position shared by many national statisticians that the modern role of statistics is under-recognized by the government, business and society in general, and that statistical literacy of the Russian population is quite weak. The author states his position on the directions for increasing public confidence in official statistics, the improvement of statistical education and modern culture of mutual understanding and cooperation mechanisms between statistical agencies and units of statistical observation, ensuring the formation of much demanded objective statistics.