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Puerto Rico: Statistics v Politics

Why some fear the national statistics authority is about to lose its independence

The government of Puerto Rico has developed a plan to strip the island’s statistical agency of its independent board as part of a money saving enterprise. But as the Caribbean island recovers from a debt crisis and the devastation of Hurricane Maria which struck last year, many are questioning whether the move could have long reaching implications.

Presenters: Tim Harford and Kate Lamble
Producer: Kate Lamble

(Photo: Damage to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: The La Perla neighbourhood, San Juan. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Tue 1 May 2018 01:50GMT
BBC World Service except News Internet

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Broadcasts

  • Sun 29 Apr 2018 18:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
  • Mon 30 Apr 2018 12:50GMT
    BBC World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 1 May 2018 01:50GMT
    BBC World Service except News Internet

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Podcast

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    Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life