National Statistics Bureau Bhutan Interactive Data Portal NSB

Overview

The Bhutan Interactive Data Portal is an online statistical data platform maintained by the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) of Bhutan, developed in partnership with the World Bank. Launched on February 1, 2021, the portal provides public access to over 1,000 statistical indicators on Bhutan's economy, population, social conditions, and environment through interactive visualizations and downloadable data.

History and Founding

The National Statistics Bureau has its roots in a statistical cell established within Bhutan's Ministry of Development in 1971, which was expanded and upgraded as the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) in 1979 under the Planning Commission. In 2003, following major changes in governance structure, the CSO was granted autonomy and renamed the National Statistics Bureau. The NSB operates under an Executive Order issued in 2006, which designates it as Bhutan's central authority for collecting, compiling, and releasing official data.

The Bhutan Interactive Data Portal was created by the NSB in collaboration with the World Bank Poverty and Equity Global Practice, with financial support from the Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building III (TFSCB-III), itself supported by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ireland, Canada, and Korea. The portal was jointly launched by NSB Director Chhime Tshering and the World Bank's Acting Resident Representative for Bhutan.

Collections and Holdings

The portal features more than 1,000 statistical indicators organized under eight themes: population, welfare, social conditions, economy and industries, energy and environment, infrastructure and transport, agriculture, and the digital economy. Interactive maps and graphs allow users to compare indicators over time and across Bhutan's 20 Dzongkhags (districts). Indicators are sourced from official NSB publications and other ministries and agencies of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Access and Usage

The Bhutan Interactive Data Portal is freely accessible online. Data can be downloaded directly from each dashboard. A companion mobile app provides access to the portal and all NSB publications. The portal is accompanied by a glossary of indicators including definitions and data sources.