Statistics derived for this subject area are guided by the First Schedule of the Statistics Act Chapter 19:09. This Act promulgates the Law which governs the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of Demographic, Vital and Social Statistics. The primary sources of the data are administrative records compiled by government ministries, agencies and departments as well as from the population and housing censuses and household surveys.

Demographic statistics widely referred to as population statistics is garnered primarily from population and housing censuses and household surveys. These two sources are used to capture demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the Guyanese population. The comprehensive analysis following the compilation of these statistics may demonstrate changes in the age and sex structure of the country’s population, the level of fertility, infant mortality, labour force participation, the level of internal migration as well as other relevant statistics.

Vital Statistics treats with the occurrences of vital events within a population and the characteristics of these events. More specifically vital events are events concerning the life and death of individuals inclusive of their family and civil status. These events are classified as live births, deaths, foetal deaths, marriages and other related areas.

The area of Social Statistics is concerned with statistics relating to social issues such as health, education and crime. Health Statistics consists of gathering information relating to the health status of the Guyanese people and the quality of health services provided. It includes information on immunization, number of health professionals, number of beds, etc. Also captured within this sub-section is Education statistics relating to the attendance of our school age population at all levels of schooling, i.e. school enrolment, number of teachers, and other education related statistics. Crime statistics is another area encompassed under the caption of social statistics. It refers to reported serious crimes that occur annually within the boundaries of Guyana.

Data for the generation of these social and vital statistics are sourced from administrative data through collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as the General Registrar Office (GRO), the Guyana Police: Force Immigration Department, Ministry of Education Planning Unit, Ministry of Health Statistical Unit and other relevant ministries, agencies and departments.