History of Estonian statistics

Main events in the history of Estonian statistics

2020     Statistics Estonia publishes interactive tools Wages and salaries and Dashboards, which include business data, regional statistics and indicators of development plans.

2019     Statistics Estonia presents first interactive visualisation applications Foreign trade and the Tree of Truth, measuring important national indicators.

2018     In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Statistics Estonia publishes "Republic of Estonia 100. Statistical Album". For the first time, the indicators of sustainable development are published according to the SDGs of the UN 2030 Agenda.

2017     Statistics Estonia chairs the Council Working Party on Statistics during the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

2016     Reporting 3.0, a joint initiative of the Tax and Customs Board, Statistics Estonia and Eesti Pank, is launched to reduce the data providing burden of enterprises. Statistics Estonia introduces the hugely successful name statistics application.

2015     Statistics Estonia is awarded the Green Office certificate and the Green Office of the Year award. 

2014     Statistics Estonia publishes the population projection until 2040. The statistics map application is launched.

2012     The 2011 Population and Housing Census is carried out. For the first time, Estonian residents can participate in the census online.

2011     Statistics Estonia celebrates the 90th anniversary of Estonian statistics. To mark the occasion, Statistics Estonia launches the Albert Pullerits prize.

2010     The Riigikogu passes the Official Statistics Act.

2009     Estonia applies for accession to OECD. An assessment mission of OECD assesses the compliance of Estonian official statistics with OECD statistical requirements.

2006     Statistics Estonia introduces the electronic data transmission channel eSTAT, which places first in the competition Best Innovation 2006 organised by the Government Office.

2004     Estonia joins the European Union and Statistics Estonia becomes a part of the European Statistical System.

2001     The statistical database is made available on the website.

2000     The first Population and Housing Census after the restoration of independence takes place. The production of official statistics is centralised and regional statistical bureaus are closed.

1998    The website of Statistics Estonia www.stat.ee is launched.

1997    The Riigikogu passes the Official Statistics Act.

1995     A joint declaration was signed by Eurostat (statistical office of the European Union) and the statistical offices of the Baltic countries.

1994     The structure of Statistics Estonia is reorganised. The former 17 local statistical offices are replaced by seven regional statistical bureaus. A national network of interviewers is established and the first sample surveys are conducted for statistics on persons.

1993    Statistical profile, or a register of active economic entities, is established. Instead of the census, Statistics Estonia starts to use sample surveys.

1992     A cooperation programme is started involving the European Union, EFTA (European Free Trade Association) and the Baltic Republics for developing the statistical system and bringing it into conformity with international requirements. The Estonian Statistical Society is established.

1991     The first issue of "Eesti statistika aastaraamat. Yearbook of Estonian Statistics” is published.

1990     The Statistics Act of the Estonian SSR is passed. The first international cooperation agreement is concluded (with Statistics Sweden) with a view to developing the Estonian statistical system and bringing statistics into compliance with international requirements. Statistics Estonia is established as the statistical office of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Estonia.

1959     The first post-war population census is conducted.

1941     The registration of the entire population is organised by the Estonian Statistics Administration.

1940    The State Statistical Central Bureau is abolished following the beginning of Soviet rule.

1937     An economic census is conducted, covering industry, handicraft, trade and transport.

1925     The first Estonian agricultural census is conducted.

1922     The Riigikogu adopts the statutes of the State Statistical Central Bureau. The first population census of the Republic of Estonia is conducted.

1921     The beginning of Estonian statistics: the Estonian State Statistical Central Bureau of Statistics is established on 1 March with Albert Pullerits as its director.