Statistics

The Tonga Department of Statistics is the official source responsible for providing statistical data in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Department undertakes statistical activities, carrying out the general census of population, and the count of housing and establishments. It conducts economic and social statistical surveys and publishes statistical books and bulletins for the Kingdom of Tonga as a whole.

The Statistics Department vision is "to develop an integrated and comprehensive statistical information system to facilitate better decision-making and discussions and to encourage education and learning for the people".  It is hoped that this website will assist the Department in bringing statistics to people within Tonga as well as to those in the international community.

Contact Information:

Point of Contact: Mr. 'Ata'ata Finau, Government Statistician

Phone:                            Fax:                               Email:                                    P.O. Box

Location Map:

For more information, please visit the Statistics Department website.

First New Zealand National Certificate in Official Statistics Course for Public Sector

Friday, 27 January 2012 10:14 DEPARTMENT - Statistics
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26 January, 2012. The very first New Zealand National Certificate in Official Statistics course for the Public Sector conducted in Tonga begins today, Thursday 26 January 2012.

The course which was initiated by the Resident Statistical Advisor from New Zealand and hosted by the Statistics Department aims to enhance the statistical skills of the Public Sector and build knowledge and confidence in employees. It is on the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) National Qualification Framework.

The course is being adapted to the Tongan situation and will be presented by two highly respected tutors, Adjunct Professor Sharleen Forbes and Dr Richard Arnold, from the Victoria University in Wellington.

The cost of completing this course in New Zealand is NZ$2,600 per participant, so we are grateful to the New Zealand Government for sponsoring this course through the Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports.

20 participants from the Statistics Department, other Ministries and Statutory Bodies, have been accepted to participate in this training course. We hope that this training will improve and enhance statistics capability of the public sector and contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to the public says Mr ‘Ata'ata Finau, Government Statistician.

The training, which includes a research project, is expected to be completed by 31st July 2012 and, the assessment will be done by the official qualified New Zealand assessors and it will be completed by 31 October 2012.

Ends

Issued by: The Statistics Department, P.O. Box 149, Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
Telephone: (676) 23-300/23-913 Fax: (676) 24 303

Last Updated ( Monday, 16 July 2012 13:26 )
 

Tonga prepares for 2011 Population Census Countdown

Sunday, 23 October 2011 00:00 DEPARTMENT - Statistics
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23 October 2011

While the Department of Statistics is preparing for the 2011 National Population Census enumeration in the Kingdom on November 30, we remember the first ever celebration of Statistics Day in 2010, the day was dedicated to strengthening awareness about the importance of the work done by statisticians, and the significant contributions of official statistics in facilitating the work of government.

To reiterate its importance, the next Tonga Population Census which is undertaken by the Statistics Department, is less than a month away.

The Census will count everyone in the country and collects information about characteristics of populations and housing in different villages, districts and island groups.

Statistics are vital tool for economic and social development in order to assess statistical analysis of poverty levels, access to education and the incidence of disease. The information collected from the Census will be of significant importance in the country's collective endeavor to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Data from the Census also used  is to ensure equity in the distribution of government services and the allocation of government funds among various sectors and districts for educational and health services.

The last Census was held in 2006 When it was determined that the total population in Tonga was 101,991, compared with 97,784 people in 1996. This represented an increase of 4.3% or 4,207 people between 1996 - 2006

As the Department continues their preparatory work for the upcoming census, it acknowledges the support of the public, and urges every citizen  in Tonga to work together with the Statistics Department and Civil society stakeholders in order to ensure a successful Census in 2011.

The Department of Statistics appeals to all sectors of society to join Government in mobilizing every person to participate in Census 2011.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Information and Communications, Nuku'alofa, 2011.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 December 2011 22:09 )
 

Tonga National Population Census Preparation is on track

Wednesday, 28 September 2011 10:38 DEPARTMENT - Statistics
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28 September 2011. The preparation work for the Census in November 2011 is on track says the Government Statistician, "Our last census was in 2006 and this is the first time for Tonga to have the census in a five year interval. The Statistics Department has been preparing for the census since the beginning of the year."

There are 63 days to go before the census enumeration for the whole Kingdom

A census counts everyone in the country and collects information about characteristics of populations and housing in different villages, districts and island groups.

The census is important as it provides the government, communities, businesses, churches, schools, academics and many other organisations with statistics which helps to accurately inform and plan public services.

The pilot test of the census materials was completed last week and work on other census materials is being finalised. The Department is grateful for the assistance from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Mrs Leilua Taulealo is here to assist with data processing and Mr Scott Pontifex is finalizing the mapping of the census blocks.

The Department also wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the continuing support of the public for its statistical work.

ENDS

Issued by: The Statistics Department, P.O. Box 149, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Telephone: (676) 23-300/23-913 Fax: (676) 24 303

Last Updated ( Monday, 17 October 2011 21:56 )
 

Celebrating the First World Statistics Day

Wednesday, 20 October 2010 00:00 DEPARTMENT - Statistics
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20 October 2010  The Department of Statistics in Tonga marks the first ever World Statistics Day in Tonga by releasing the report of the Household income and Expenditure Survey 2009, together with other statistical bulletins to His Majesty's Cabinet Ministers.

On 20 October 2010,  (20.10.2010) the World celebrate the first World Statistics Day (WSD) , to raise awareness of the many achievements of official statistics premised on the core values of service, professionalism and integrity.

In acknowledgement that the production of reliable, timely statistics and indicators is indispensable for informed policy decisions and monitoring implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations Statistics Division, International Agencies and all Statistics Offices in the world have unanimously agreed to designate 20 October as World Statistics Day.

Over 100 countries and territories and 40 international agencies will mark this Day with special events and activities.

"Statistics are a vital tool for economic and social development, including our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. For development to succeed, we need data collection and statistical analysis of poverty levels, access to education and the incidence of disease," states UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon in his Message on World Statistics Day.

Mr. ‘Ata'ata Finau, Tonga's Government Statistician said, " WSD is a day set out to pay tribute to statisticians' outstanding work in producing and disseminating the necessary data to respond to the everyday new challenges and to measure progress in people's lives."

"Statistics are a daily part of national and international life and policy-making, but never before did the international community officially to pay tribute to Official Statistics through dedicating them an international day."

"This year, the Statistics Department has distributed posters to mark the day, however, no public events have been set, but the Department is pleased to mark this with the release of second Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009 report," Mr. Finau said.

The report which costs TOP$35.00 presents a summary of major findings of the 2009 HIES, which will provide a useful material for planners, policy makers and other interested users.

It is the Department's vision "to develop an integrated and comprehensive statistical information system to facilitate better decision-making and discussions and to encourage education and learning for the people".

The Tonga Department of Statistics is the official source responsible for providing statistical data in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Department undertakes statistical activities, carrying out the general census of population, and the count of housing and establishments. It conducts economic and social statistical surveys and publishes statistical books and bulletins for the Kingdom of Tonga as a whole.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Information and Communications, Nuku'alofa, 2010.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 June 2011 22:56 )