Glossary:Statistical indicator

A statistical indicator is the representation of statistical data for a specified time, place or any other relevant characteristic, corrected for at least one dimension (usually size) so as to allow for meaningful comparisons.

It is a summary measure related to a key issue or phenomenon and derived from a series of observed facts. Indicators can be used to reveal relative positions or show positive or negative change. Indicators are usually a direct input into European Union (EU) and global policies. In strategic policy fields they are important for setting targets and monitoring their achievement.

By themselves, indicators do not necessarily contain all aspects of development or change, but they hugely contribute to explaining them. They allow comparisons over time between, for instance, countries and regions, and in this way assist in gathering ‘evidence’ for decision making.

Further information

• List of statistical indicators in Statistics Explained glossary
• Regulation 99/2013 of 15 January 2013 on the European statistical programme 2013-17 (Annex I,1: Indicators)