Statistics

Choose a source that covers your topic and geographical area:

• Scottish Government statistics: statistics on Scotland’s economy, education, housing, health, environment and other subjects.
• National Records of Scotland: statistics on Scotland’s population, migration, households, births, deaths and life expectancy.
• Office for National Statistics: statistics on the UK economy, population and society. Geographical coverage varies between publications, so check whether figures cover the UK, Great Britain, England and Wales, or a smaller area.
• Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency: statistics about Northern Ireland.
• Welsh Government statistics and research: statistics and research about Wales.

For census figures, use Scotland’s Census, ONS census information for England and Wales, or Northern Ireland census results.

The most recent censuses took place in 2022 in Scotland and 2021 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Take the different dates into account when comparing figures.

Statista provides statistics, forecasts and reports on markets, industries and consumers.

Search Statista directly; its content is not searchable through LibrarySearch.

Check the source information supplied with each statistic. Where possible, follow it to the original publication if you need more detail about definitions, methods or context.

These sources offer further routes to statistics:

• UN Monthly Bulletin of Statistics: economic and social statistics for countries and territories around the world.
• UN directory of national statistical offices: links to official statistical organisations in other countries.
• UK Data Service: survey, census and international data for research and study.
• World Energy Council: reports, indicators and tools for exploring energy systems and energy transitions.

Other organisations may publish statistics relevant to your subject. If these sources do not cover what you need, contact library@abertay.ac.uk for help finding alternatives.

Before using a figure, check:

• Definition: what exactly is being measured? Is the figure a count, percentage, rate or another measure?
• Coverage: which people, organisations or geographical areas does it include?
• Date: what period does the figure describe? This may differ from its publication date.
• Type: is it an observed result, an estimate or a forecast?
• Methods and limitations: how was it produced, and what uncertainty or qualifications are explained in the accompanying notes?

When comparing figures, check that their definitions, populations and time periods are sufficiently similar. Similar labels do not necessarily mean that figures measure the same thing.

For fuller guidance, see Evaluate information.

Check your module or assessment guidance and use the referencing style it requires.

Keep the publication details and a link to the specific table, chart or report you use. Reference the source you consulted, rather than linking only to the organisation’s homepage.

Use Cite Them Right Online for citation and reference examples. Select your required referencing style and find the example matching the material containing the statistic, such as a report, webpage or dataset.

For wider guidance on referencing principles, when to cite and where to get help, see Referencing.