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Division of Statistics Releases 2008 FSM Statistical Yearbook and International Trade Publication

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): February 13, 2009 - The FSM Division of Statistics, a division under the Office of Statistics, Budget & Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance & Compact Management (SBOC), has printed and released two booklets of information for the public. One is the 2008 FSM Statistical Yearbook and the other is the 2007 International Trade Publication for FSM.

The Statistical Yearbook presents statistical information on the achievements, developments and the growth of the FSM over the last 10 years, from 1998 to 2007. It is one in a series of publications that presents information on both current and historical economic and social characteristics of the nation. The 2008 FSM Statistical Yearbook has had the benefit of many contributors from the National and State government departments, offices, and agencies as well as the private sector. The demand for both Economic and Social Statistics have increased tremendously, therefore, this publication serves as a useful reference in providing information for planning and monitoring the progress toward achieving the economic and social goals of the FSM. The data published in this report contains a wide range of useful information available by geographical features, population, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, employment, transportation and communication, government finance, energy, education, health, and housing as well as other indicators.

The 2007 FSM International Trade Publication presents information on both imports and exports of goods for planning and improvement within the Trade Policy or Agreements with other nations. This trade publication contains essential information that is useful for monitoring development progress towards a self-reliant economy for the FSM. Changes in the trading of goods with other nations can serve as a key economic indicator, especially for policy and decision making efforts. Additionally, Trade Statistics are critical at the international context for cross country comparisons and can enable a better understanding of the various trading partners with which the FSM is trading with. The data published in this report was compiled by the Division of Statistics from 1086 Customs Declarations and Self Assessment Declarations and invoices provided by Importers to the Division of Customs and Tax, FSM Department of Finance and Administration. It contains a broad range of useful information available by type of goods, by country of origin, by Broad Economic Category Classification and by destination.

The Division of Statistics hosts a website at http://www.spc.int/prism/country/fm/stats/ where you can find a lot of this information. Please contact the division at fsmstat@sboc.fm for more information or to obtain a copy of these documents.