Measuring Cooperatives: An information guide on the ILO Guidelines concerning Statistics of Cooperatives (Second edition, 2025)

This updated information guide is a practical tool for improving statistics on cooperatives. It turns the Guidelines concerning Statistics of Cooperatives into practical steps for countries. It explains core concepts and definitions (cooperative types, statistical units, work in and around cooperatives) and shows how to collect, tabulate and analyse comparable data.

Updated with lessons from five pilot countries and produced with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, it encourages testing of questionnaire modules, integration with business and household surveys, and advances work on measuring cooperatives’ economic, social and environmental contributions.

Designed for national statistics offices, government institutions responsible for cooperatives, ILO social partners, cooperative stakeholders, and researchers, the guide highlights how stronger statistics can help in better understanding and promoting contribution of cooperatives to advancing decent work and sustainable development.