The Central Statistics Organization of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (CSO) functions as an independent governmental administration for the purpose of creating an integrated scientific system for statistics, ensuring harmonization and coordination of all statistical activities in the country. The CSO have the following main duties and authorities: collection, compilation, analysis and publication of up to date, accurate and documented statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic, environmental and general activities and condition of the people; conducting statistical surveys and population censuses; promotion and development of integrated social and economic statistics throughout the country; preparation and presentation of the final population estimates with consideration of population movements and mortality and fertility rates.