We are currently developing the documentation of statistics. At the moment, the content is not necessarily up-to-date in all respects.
General government revenue and expenditure by quarter: documentation of statistics
The documentation of the statistics describes how the statistics were compiled and what methods were used in the compilation. The data help interpret the figures of the statistics and evaluate their reliability and comparability. The quality report is based on the EU's SIMS model. The documentation also contains change releases describing changes in the statistics and possible specifying methodological descriptions.
If you are looking for statistical figures for these statistics, go to the statistics page: General government revenue and expenditure by quarter
Quality report
Data description (SIMS 3.1)
Statistics on general government revenue and expenditure by quarter are part of national accounts and describe the cyclical development of central government, local government, employment pension schemes and social security funds. Data are collected from several sources and published four times a year.
Sector coverage (SIMS 3.3)
The statistics cover institutional units classified into general government (S.13) in accordance with the European System of Accounts ESA 2010, which are divided into sub-sectors:
- central government (S.1311)
- local government excl. wellbeing services county administration (S.13131)
- wellbeing services county administration (S.13132)
- employment pension schemes (S.13141)
- other social security funds (S.13149)
The data are based on the data sources available quarterly. They are supplemented with estimation methods so that the data correspond as comprehensively as possible to the whole population.
Statistical unit (SIMS 3.5)
The statistical unit used is the institutional unit as defined in the ESA 2010 Manual.
Statistical population (SIMS 3.6)
The statistical population comprises all institutional units belonging to the general government sector (S.13) as defined in ESA 2010.
A list of these units is published annually on the website of Statistics Finland (the page is available in Finnish only; scroll to the middle of the page and open the Excel file “Julkisyhteisöt-sektoriin kuuluvat yksiköt”).
Reference area (SIMS 3.7)
The reference area of the statistics is Finland.
The statistics cover all institutional units belonging to general government (S.13) that are resident in Finland, in accordance with the ESA 2010 framework.
Time coverage (SIMS 3.8)
The time series of the statistics start in 1999. The data are available on a quarterly basis and are updated regularly as the most recent available source data become available.
Base period (SIMS 3.9)
All the time series of the statistics are at current prices.
Unit of measure (SIMS 4)
The data are expressed in euros. The data are published in millions of euros.
Reference period (SIMS 5)
The statistics are published quarterly with a delay of approximately 75 days from the end of the statistical period.
Classifications (SIMS 3.2)
The European System of Accounts is described in Manual ESA 2010, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union, 2010. The manual defines the units of general government and the transactions used.
The statistics on general government revenue and expenditure by quarter comply with the institutional classification of sectors (Classification of Sectors 2023) in the classification of economic units and a classification of transactions pursuant to the ESA 2010 manual.
Concepts and definitions (SIMS 3.4)
Adjustment for seasonal variation
Seasonal adjustment means the estimation of seasonal variation and the elimination of its impact from a time series. The obtained result is a seasonally adjusted time series. The trend of a time series is obtained when both seasonal variation and irregular random variation are eliminated from a time series. Trading or working day adjusted series are in turn obtained when the factors caused by the variation in the number of trading days or weekdays is eliminated from the observation of the original time series. The Tramo/Seats method is used for the seasonal adjustment of time series at Statistics Finland. In the Tramo/Seats method, preadjustment is based on a regression model (which allows for outlying observations, public holidays and the weekday structure) and the seasonal adjustment proper on an ARIMA model constructed for the time series.
Capital taxes
Capital taxes (D.91) consist of taxes levied at irregular and very infrequent intervals on the values of the assets or net worth owned by institutional units or on the values of assets transferred between institutional units as a result of legacies, gifts between individuals or other transfers (e.g. inheritance tax, death duty and gift tax).
Capital transfers
Capital transfers are different from current transfers in that they involve the acquisition or disposal of an asset, or assets, by at least one of the parties to the transaction. Regardless of whether the capital transfers are made in cash or in kind, they result in a commensurate change in the financial, or non-financial, assets shown in the balance sheets of one or both parties to the transaction. Capital transfers consist of capital taxes, investment subsidies and other cap-ital transfers.
Compensation of employees
Compensation of employees (D.1) is defined as the total remuneration, in cash or in kind, payable by an employer to an employee in return for work done by the latter during the accounting period. Compensation of employees is broken down into: a) wages and salaries (D.11): wages and salaries in cash; wages and salaries in kind; b) employers’ social contributions (D.12): employers’ actual social contributions (D.121); employers’ imputed social contributions (D.122).
Consumption of fixed capital
Consumption of fixed capital (P.51C) represents the amount of fixed assets used up, during the period under consideration. Consumption is the result of normal wear and tear and foreseeable obsolescence, including a provision for losses of fixed assets as a result of accidental damage which can be insured against. Consumption of fixed capital should be distinguished from the depreciation shown in business accounts. It refers to the amount of fixed assets used up, during the period under consideration. It should be estimated on the basis of the stock of fixed assets and the probable average economic life of the different categories of those goods.
Employers' actual social contributions
Employers' actual social contributions (D611). Employers pay employers' ac-tual social contributions to social security funds and pension funds that maintain the social security system in order to ensure social benefits for their employees. For example, employer's unemployment insurance contributions, employer's employment pension insurance contributions, employer's social contributions.
Gross fixed capital formation
Gross fixed capital formation consists of resident producers' acquisitions, less disposals, of fixed assets. Fixed assets are tangible or intangible assets produced as outputs from processes of production that are themselves used repeatedly, or continuously, in processes of production for more than one year.
Intermediate consumption
Intermediate consumption consists of the value of the goods and services consumed as inputs by a process of production, excluding fixed assets whose consumption is recorded as consumption of fixed capital. The goods and services may be either transformed or used up by the production process. Products used for intermediate consumption should be recorded and valued at the time they enter the process of production. They are to be valued at the purchasers’ prices for similar goods or services at that time.
Net lending/net borrowing
Net lending/borrowing is a balancing item in the capital account and the fi-nancial account. Net lending/borrowing corresponds to the amount available to a unit or sec-tor for financing, directly or indirectly, other units or sectors, or the amount which a unit or sector is obliged to borrow from other units or sectors. The corresponding concept to net lending/borrowing in financial accounts is financial transactions, net. It is the difference between net acquisition of fi-nancial assets and liabilities. If a sector acquires financial assets in excess of the amount of new debt incurred during the period it is a net lender.
Output at basic prices
Output at basic prices consists of the products which have been produced in the accounting period. Three categories of output are distinguished: market output, output for own final use, and other non-market output. Output is to be recorded and valued when it is generated by the production process.
Property expenditure and income
Property expenditure and income (D.4) are generated when the owners of financial assets or natural resources give such assets to other institutional units for use. Income generated from the use of financial assets is called in-vestment income while the income from the use of natural resources is rent. Property income is the total sum of investment income and rents. Property income is classified as follows: a) Interest (D.41); b) Distributed income of corporations (D.42): 1) Dividends (D.421); 2) Withdrawals from income of quasi-corporations (D.422); c) Reinvested earnings on direct foreign investment (D.43); d) Other investment income (D.44): 1) Investment income attributable to policyholders in insurance (D.441); 2) Investment income based on pension entitlements (D.442); 3) Investment income from collective mutual funds belonging to sharehold-ers (D.443); e) Land and natural resource rents (D.45).
Saving
Saving is the balancing item in the use of income accounts. It is the positive or negative amount resulting from current transactions which establishes the link with accumulation. If saving is positive, non-spent income is used for the acquisition of assets or for paying off liabilities. If saving is negative, certain assets are liquidated or certain liabilities increase.
Social benefits other than social transfers in kind
Social benefits other than social transfers in kind (D.62) include: a) Social security benefits in cash are payable to households by social security funds and are provided under social security schemes. E.g. pensions, unemployment benefits. b) Social assistance benefits in cash are payable to households by government units to meet the same needs as social insurance benefits but are not made under a social insurance scheme incorporating social contributions and social insurance benefits. E.g. living allowances paid by municipalities, child maintenance allowances.
Social security contributions
Social security contributions (OECD Classification of Taxes heading 2000) covers all compulsory payments that confer an entitlement to receive a (contingent) future social benefit. These include a) employers' social security contributions, e.g. unemployment insurance and old-age insurance premia paid by employers, b) employees' social security contributions, e.g. unemployment insurance and old-age insurance premia paid by employees, employees' contributions to the National Pension Insurance scheme and to the National Health Insurance scheme, c) social security contributions paid by independent entrepreneurs and non-employed persons, e.g. old-age insurance premia paid by entrepreneurs. The OECD Classification of Taxes heading "Social security contributions" covers only statutory social security contributions, and does not include voluntary social security (a sub-heading under D.611 "Actual social contributions" in the national accounts).
Social transfers in kind
Social transfers in kind consist of individual goods and services provided as transfers in kind to individual households by government units and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs), whether purchased on the market or produced as non-market output by government units or NPISHs.
Subsidies
Subsidies (D.3) are current unrequited payments which general government or the institutions of the European Union make to resident producers, with the objective of influencing their levels of production, their prices or the remuneration of the factors of production. Other non-market producers can receive other subsidies on production only if those payments depend on general regulations applicable to market and non-market producers as well. Subsidies granted by the Institutions of the European Union cover only current transfers made directly by them to resident producer units. Subsidies are classified into: a) subsidies on products (D.31) (1) import subsidies (D.311) (2) other subsidies on products (D.319) b) other subsidies on production (D.39).
Taxes on production and imports
Taxes on production and imports (D.2) consist of compulsory, unrequited payments, in cash or in kind which are levied by general government, or by the Institutions of the European Union, in respect of the production and importation of goods and services, the employment of labour, the ownership or use of land, buildings or other assets used in production. These taxes are payable whether or not profits are made. Taxes on production and imports are divided into: a) taxes on products (D.21) (1) value added type taxes (VAT) (D.211) (2) taxes and duties on imports excluding VAT (D.212) – import duties (D.2121) – taxes on imports excluding VAT and import duties (D.2122) (3) taxes on products, except VAT and import taxes (D.214) b) other taxes on production (D.29).
Trend
Trend describes the long-term development in a time series. A trend series has been adjusted for seasonal and random variations, so that the effects of e.g. weather conditions or short-term labour disputes do not show in it. By contrast, permanent changes, such as growth in demand due to changed taxation, will show in a trend. The direction indicated by the end of a trend should be interpreted with caution. The latter part of a trend indicator may change once it has been updated with data for subsequent months.
Value-added tax
Value-added tax (D.211) is a tax on goods or services collected in stages by enterprises and which is ultimately charged in full to the final purchasers. Value-added tax (VAT) comprises the value added tax which is collected by the General government and which is applied to national and imported products. For the total economy account, VAT is equal to the difference between total invoiced VAT and total deductible VAT. In the national accounts, taxes are recorded on an accrual basis. The accrual-basis method of recording differs from the cash-basis method of recording in certain respects. Tax amounts recorded on cash basis express the amount accrued on the cash account. Tax amounts recorded on an accrual basis show the amount of tax accruing from the transaction over the period of time when the tax liability was incurred.
Institutional mandate (SIMS 6)
The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics.
Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States.
Further information: Statistical legislation
Legal acts and other agreements (SIMS 6.1)
The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics.
Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States. Compilation is guided by Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as last amended by Regulation (EU) No 2023/734.
Further information: Statistical legislation
Data sharing (SIMS 6.2)
The data are published in Statistics Finland’s database on a quarterly basis, on average within 75 days after the end of the reference quarter.
The data are transmitted quarterly to Eurostat, which publishes them on its website as part of the statistics of the European Union.
Source data (SIMS 18.1)
Several administrative and statistical sources are utilised in the compilation of the statistics.
The central government's accounting system produces detailed quarterly data on central administration (S.1311). It also offers reliable data on counterparty sectors, for which reason it is utilised for other sectors especially in compiling income transfers.
The main data source for local government, excluding wellbeing services county administration, (S.13131) is quarterly reporting of municipalities and joint municipal authorities. These data cover municipalities, joint municipal authorities and municipal enterprises. For wellbeing services county administration (S.13132), the main data source is quarterly reporting of wellbeing services counties. Another important data source is the Tax Administration's monthly tax data, which are used in the compilation of tax flows.
The data of the statutory earnings-related pension scheme (S.13141) are based on the quarterly inquiry of employment pension schemes. Statistics Finland's own data collection asks about economic activity items from the six largest units providing statutory employment pension in the public and private sectors. The main data source for other social security funds (S.13149) is the Social Insurance Institution's accounting data. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland is a national body responsible for social benefits.
The tax data regularly produced by the Tax Administration contain reliable quarterly data on wages and salaries and social security contributions paid. This is also used in the compilation of item D.1 (wages and salaries) and related items for sectors S.1311, S.1313 and S.13141.
Quarterly available data are not in all respects exhaustive. These shortcomings are corrected in connection with the compilation of the statistics with extrapolation and benchmarking methods.
Frequency of data collection (SIMS 18.2)
The frequency of data collection varies from a month to a quarter.
Data collection (SIMS 18.3)
The statistics are mainly not based on own data collection but rely on data obtained from various administrative sources. The source data are mainly based on the data collection of other authorities.
For the employment pension schemes sector, the data are based on Statistics Finland's own data collection carried out as a web inquiry. In other sectors, the data are supplemented, where necessary, with individual inquiries.
Data validation (SIMS 18.4)
In connection with the compilation of the statistics, quality assurance and validation checks are carried out on the data before the data are published.
Logical checks are carried out on the data to ensure the technical integrity, accuracy and consistency of the data. These include verifying the structure of the data, identifying missing data and possible inconsistencies and assessing deviating values.
Consistency checks are carried out on the completed statistical data to ensure that the phenomenon is represented consistently across all national accounts statistics. Time series data are examined by analysing sudden changes and other deviations.
In addition, the coverage of the data is assessed and the data are compared with other available sources. The data are validated both horizontally and vertically so ensure that the different components of the statistics form a coherent whole.
Observed deviations are analysed and, where necessary, corrected during the compilation of the statistics or in cooperation with the producers of data.
During the delivery of the data, Eurostat reviews the data supplied by the Member States. If necessary, the data can be revised during the checking process.
The quality of the statistics is also monitored by examining revisions, that is, differences between the first published data and later revisions.
Data compilation (SIMS 18.5)
The data of the statistics are formed by combining data obtained from several source data. Source data are combined and harmonised so that the data correspond with the concepts of national accounts and form a coherent whole with each other.
The data available quarterly do not cover all units of the population or the necessary variables, for which reason the data are supplemented using estimation methods. A key method used in producing quarterly data is temporal disaggregation based on the Denton method, in which annual data are distributed across quarters based on the source data describing quarterly development.
The method is used to combine the level of annual data with the development described by quarterly data in such a way that the quarterly data sum to the annual totals. When annual data are not yet available, the most recent quarters are estimated by extrapolating developments indicated by the quarterly source data.
A more detailed description of the methods of the statistics is presented in the methodological description of the Finnish Quarterly Sector Accounts (QSA) inventory.
Seasonal adjustment (SIMS 18.6.1)
Seasonal adjustment has been carried out using the Tramo/Seats method with the JDEMETRA+ software.
User needs (SIMS 12.1)
The main users of the statistics are public administration, international organisations and research institutes. The data are used for EU reporting and the analysis of economic developments. The statistics meet key information needs on general government revenue, expenditure and net lending/net borrowing, as well as their quarterly development.
Overall accuracy (SIMS 13.1)
The accuracy and reliability of the statistics are especially affected by the coverage and availability of source data and the estimation methods used. Quarterly data do not cover all units of the population.
Missing data are supplemented with estimation methods but they involve uncertainty that may lead to deviations. The main sources of error are coverage error, measurement error and uncertainty caused by the model. Non-response error occurs but its effect is smaller than that of coverage error.
The quality of the statistics is monitored by analysing data revisions and by comparing the key figures, such as net lending, with corresponding financial accounts data.
The statistics are well suited for monitoring the development of general government on the quarterly level. The uncertainties particularly concern the most recent quarters, where the source data are more deficient and the uncertainty related to estimation is highest.
Non-sampling error (SIMS 13.3)
The statistics are subject to uncertainty, arising in particular from the estimation methods used and the behaviour of the source data over time.
Estimation methods involve uncertainty, because the indicators describing quarterly development do not always precisely correspond to the structure and development of the annual level data. This is particularly evident in the most recent quarters and in situations where economic developments change rapidly. As a result, the quarterly data can describe the development temporarily differently from the annual data, which are subsequently revised.
In addition, the source data may involve timing and classification differences, which affect how different economic transactions are allocated over time and across sectors.
The effects of these sources of error are monitored by examining data revisions and by comparing key aggregates with other national accounts data. Uncertainty is managed by using multiple data sources, carrying out validation and consistency checks, and updating the data as the underlying data are completed.
Coverage error (SIMS 13.3.1)
Coverage error arises because quarterly source data do not cover all units belonging to general government. Some of the units are excluded from the data, which causes under-coverage.
Over-coverage and overlapping can, in turn, arise when combining data if the same event or item is included in several sources.
Under-coverage is reduced by utilising several source datasets and by estimating missing data. Temporal aggregation based on the Denton method is utilised in forming quarterly data, where the data are estimated quarterly based on the available dataset and the annual level data.
The effect of coverage error is particularly emphasised in the most recent quarters, when the source data are still deficient. The data will become revised over time as the datasets become more complete.
Measurement error (SIMS 13.3.2)
Measurement error may arise from the recording and reporting practices used in the source data and differences between concepts in relation to the definitions of the national accounts.
In register and accounting data, measurement error may result, for example, from the timing of data recording, accounting practices, and the fact that the concepts and classifications used in the statistics do not fully correspond to the structures of the source data. Changes in reporting practices and technical errors may also affect the measurement of data.
In survey data, measurement error may arise, for example, from differences in interpretation among data providers and from reporting practices.
The impact of measurement error is monitored by comparing data across different sources and by examining developments in time series. Efforts are made to reduce errors by harmonising concepts and classifications, instructing data providers and carrying out checks and adjustments of the data in the course of compiling statistics.
Non-response error (SIMS 13.3.3)
Non-response error occurs due to insufficient reporting by units belonging to the coverage of the quarterly source data. Non-response error is corrected by imputing missing data based on other available data.
Processing error (SIMS 13.3.4)
Processing error may arise in data processing stages, such as data saving, classification, editing, calculation and combination. These errors may have an effect on the correctness and accuracy of statistical data.
The processing error is controlled with revisions, comparison calculations and by ensuring repeatability of the calculations. Version management and documented production processes are also used to detect and correct possible errors.
Model assumption error (SIMS 13.3.5)
Uncertainty arises from the fact that indicators describing quarterly development do not always precisely correspond to the real development of the phenomenon under examination. The risk is emphasised in situations where the structure of the economy changes or the connection between the indicators and the actual phenomenon weakens.
The functionality of the model is assessed by examining data revisions, comparing estimated data with annual level data available data and comparing the results with other available data sources. Particular attention is paid to how the revision of data affects the key figures.
Information about the use of the model and the uncertainty related to it is communicated as part of the description of the quality of the statistics.
Quality assurance (SIMS 11.1)
Quality management requires comprehensive guidance of activities. The European Statistics Code of Practice forms the basis for the common quality system of the European Statistical System.
The Code of Practice is based on 16 principles that concern statistical authorities' independence, accountability and the quality of the processes and data to be published.
The principles are in line with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics approved by the United Nations Statistics Commission and are supplementary to them. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice.
Further information:
Quality assessment (SIMS 11.2)
The quality of the statistics is assessed by comparing the key figures of the statistics, such as net lending/net borrowing by sector with the corresponding figures of financial accounts, analysing the revisions of the statistics when the annual data are completed and by monitoring the consistency of the data in time.
In addition, the quality of the statistics is assessed as part of the compilation process by means of validation and consistency checks. Possible deviations and uncertainties are examined as part of monitoring the quality of the statistics.
Data revision - policy (SIMS 17.1)
Revisions – i.e. improvements in the accuracy of statistical data already published – are a normal feature of statistical production and result in improved quality of statistics. The principle is that statistical data are based on the best available data and information concerning the statistical phenomenon. On the other hand, the revisions are communicated as transparently as possible in advance. Advance communication ensures that the users can prepare for the data revisions.
The reason why data in statistical releases become revised is often caused by the data becoming supplemented. Then the new, revised statistical figure is based on a wider information basis and describes the phenomenon more accurately than before.
Revisions of statistical data may also be caused by the calculation method used, such as annual benchmarking or updating of weight structures. Changes of base years and used classifications may also cause revisions to data.
Seasonally adjusted data in statistics on economic trends become revised because of the calculation method used. Additional information on a new time series observation is exploited in model-based calculation methods and this is reflected as changes in previous releases. Revisions of the latest figures to be seasonally adjusted are elaborated on in the releases and quality reports of statistics.
A summary table of the revisions that have taken place is also published in connection with key statistics on economic trends and some annual statistics. The table shows how the data for the statistical reference periods have changed between the first and the most recent statistical release.
Data revision - practice (SIMS 17.2)
The data of the statistics become revised regularly as the source data are supplemented. The major revisions are related to revisions in the quarters of the most recent year when preliminary annual data are completed in March.
Annual data remain preliminary for two years. Quarterly data can be revised for the latest four years based on new or revised source data and revised schedules even if the annual data did not change.
Level revisions of the time series (benchmark revisions) are made roughly every five years in accordance with the common schedule of the EU Member States. In these revisions, the time series are updated to correspond with new concepts, classifications, methods and more exhaustive source data, which may also cause changes to the level of the time series in the longer term.
Timeliness (SIMS 14.1)
The statistics on general government revenue and expenditure are published quarterly with a delay of approximately 75 days from the end of the statistical period.
Punctuality (SIMS 14.2)
The statistics have mostly been published according to the release calendar. The delays have been due to information technology-related reasons.
Comparability - geographical (SIMS 15.1)
The statistics are comparable with countries belonging to the European Statistical System.
Comparability - over time (SIMS 15.2)
The comparability of the statistics over time is mostly good, but it is affected by certain methodological and structural reforms:
- Due to the methodological reform made to the treatment of taxes on production and other current taxes, there is a break in the time series of the transactions (D29 and D59) between 2009 and 2010.
- The levels of local government output and intermediate consumption are not comparable between 2014 and 2015.
- The transfer of responsibility for the provision of health and social services from local government to wellbeing services counties in 2023 and the renewal of local government data collection in 2021 weaken comparability especially between 2022 and 2023.
Possible changes are implemented so that the comparability of the time series remains as good as possible.
Coherence – cross domain (SIMS 15.3)
The concepts and definitions of the statistics are consistent with statistics based on the methodological manual for ESA 2010.
Coherence - sub-annual and annual statistics (SIMS 15.3.1)
The quarterly and annual data of the statistics are mutually uniform. The quarterly data are benchmarked to the annual data, and as the annual data are completed, the quarterly data are updated to correspond to the annual level. This ensures that the sum of the quarterly data corresponds to the annual data.
Coherence - national accounts (SIMS 15.3.2)
Within the system of national accounts, there is full consistency between the sub-areas, such as annual and quarterly national accounts, general government statistics, real sector accounts, financial accounts, regional accounts, and supply and use tables.
In practice, however, it is not always possible to have complete congruence of the data at all points in time, and temporary differences may occur. The differences are usually caused by different release lags in different sub-areas.
Coherence - internal (SIMS 15.4)
The internal coherence of the statistics is good. The different variables, sectors and levels of the statistics are consistent with each other and based on uniform concepts, classifications and definitions.
Differences may, however, occur in the source data and classifications. These are reviewed and harmonised in connection with the compilation of the statistics both methodologically and based on expert estimates.
Release calendar (SIMS 8.1)
Statistics Finland publishes new statistical data at 8 am on weekdays in its web service. The release times of statistics are given in advance in the release calendar available in the web service. The data become public after they have been updated in the web service.
Further information: Publication principles for statistics at Statistics Finland
Release calendar access (SIMS 8.2)
Statistics Finland's release calendar Future publications
Future publications of the statistics can be found on the page of the statistics at: Future publications of the statistics
User access (SIMS 8.3)
The data are released to all users at the same time. Statistical data may be processed at Statistics Finland and information on them may be given before release only by persons involved in the production of the statistics concerned or who need the data of the statistics concerned in their own work before the data are published.
Further information: Publication principles for statistics
Unless otherwise specifically stated in connection with the product, data or service concerned, Statistics Finland is the producer and copyright owner of the data.
Further information: The terms of use for statistical data
Frequency of dissemination (SIMS 9)
The data are published on a quarterly basis.
News release (SIMS 10.1)
The data are published on Statistics Finland’s website and in the database on a quarterly basis. A statistical release is published in connection with the dissemination, presenting the main result
Publications (SIMS 10.2)
In addition to statistical releases, the data on financial accounts can be published in other publications such as statistical papers, yearbooks and Statistics Finland’s internal and external articles.
Online database (SIMS 10.3)
The database tables of the statistics can be found in the StatFin database.
Micro-data access (SIMS 10.4)
Micro data contained in the statistics are not widely available for public use. However, source material is partly available in other services, especially on local government and central government, in the Explore Administration service maintained by the State Treasury.
The data of the statistics are mainly published in aggregate format, because the statistics are based on data combined and estimated from various sources.
Other (SIMS 10.5)
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union, also publishes the data on its own website.
Documentation on methodology (SIMS 10.6)
The compilation of the statistics is based on the ESA 2010 framework. This quality report describes the main sources and methods used. A more detailed description of the methods is provided in the Finnish QSA inventory.
Confidentiality - policy (SIMS 7.1)
The data protection of data collected for statistical purposes is guaranteed. The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. Alongside the Statistics Act, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (eur-lex.europa.eu) and the Finnish Data Protection Act (Finlex.fi) are applied to the processing of personal data. Provisions on the confidentiality of data collected for statistical purposes are laid down in the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (Finlex.fi).
The data are processed only by persons who need the data in their work. The use of data is restricted by usage rights. All persons employed by Statistics Finland have signed a pledge of secrecy, where they have obliged to keep secret the data prescribed as confidential by virtue of the Statistics Act or the Act on the Openness of Government Activities.
Further information: Data protection
Confidentiality - data treatment (SIMS 7.2)
The Statistics Act and other legal provisions concerning data protection are complied with in the compilation of the statistics. The data are treated confidentially and they are used only for statistical purposes.
The statistics are macro-level statistics and do not contain data from which individual data suppliers could be identified. The released data do not require separate statistical data protection methods.
Statistics Finland's general data security and protection procedures are applied to the processing of data. The data are handled only by persons who need them in their work, and the use of the data is limited by usage rights.
Revisions in statistics
Contact information
Service email
rahoitus.tilinpito@stat.fiInquiries primarily
Jouni Pulkka
Senior Statistician
029 551 3532