Lost and forgotten? Official colonial statistics: Experience in constructing historical statistics for Surinam

Abstract

Unlike developed countries which have a long tradition of preparing and publishing statistics, most developing countries started, after national independence, the collection and publication of official statistics, with varying degrees of coverage, quality and timeliness. As a result, statistical series for most developing countries are non-existent.

Nevertheless, colonial authorities have produced a wealth of quantitative information on the conditions of their colonies with varying regularity. This information was needed to enable them to carry out their policies more effectively and efficiently. These data have in general been ignored by statisticians, and only a few historical series of colonial statistics have been constructed and published. Yet the reports prepared by the colonial administrations contain quantitative information which could be used to construct series of colonial statistics on various subjects.

In the paper, the experience in constructing the historical statistical series for Surinam is reported. Most of the experience refers to population and related data. The issues discussed are:

1. Availability of and access to data;

2. Origin, coverage, completeness and quality of the data;

3. Concepts, continuity and change caused by changing conditions in the country; and,

4. Use of international standards and classifications.

Reconstruction of statistical series of information collected during the colonial period is a rewarding, but complex activity, which forces the statistician to acquire a thorough knowledge of the society and its political, administrative, cultural and social conditions.