The purpose of the Act relating to official statistics and Statistics Norway (the Statistics Act) of 21 June 2019 is to promote the development, production, and dissemination of official statistics with a view to increasing public knowledge and providing a basis for analysis, research, decision-making and general discussion in society. According to Section 4 of the Act, a multi-year national programme for official statistics shall be devised that is suitable for fulfilling this purpose. The programme shall specify which statistical domains that are to be covered and which public authorities are responsible for the statistics.

The first statistical programme covered the years 2021–2023. This programme is valid for the period 1 January 2024 through 31 December 2027. It was approved by the King in Council on 15 December 2023. The programme is based on proposals prepared by Statistics Norway after consultation with the Committee for Official Statistics and adjusted after public consultation.