Where Do the Figures Actually Come From?

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, Ms Jennifer Vassallo, Head of National Income Accounting, from the National Statistics Office (NSO) delivered “Where Do the Figures Actually Come From?”, the first session of the Enrichment Programme The Maltese Economy in Practice, organised through a collaboration between the Departments of Economics at the Junior College and the University of Malta.

Ms Vassallo explored what statistical figures actually represent, who uses them and why they are measured, focusing on three key areas: inflation, employment and GDP. She explained the principal sources of data collection and the methodologies employed in each case, offering valuable insights into the processes underlying the production of official statistics.

The session proved to be a truly enriching experience, providing students with the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the work involved in compiling economic statistics. It offered a valuable perspective that goes beyond what can be acquired from textbooks, allowing students to appreciate the practical application of economic concepts and the importance of reliable statistical information in understanding the Maltese economy.