Symbols in tables

In tables in the database and in tables with rules on webpages the following symbols are used for specifying meaning in data that are not figures:

Symbol            Meaning

..                       Data not available or too uncertain.

.                        Cannot occur/not applicable.

0                       Nil (zero/rounded to zero)

%                      Per cent

p.a.                   Per year

…                     Notation for masked data (only used in database tables)

In the current production of database tables, it is not possible to specify the use of the symbol for “.” (cannot occur/not applicable). Instances of this situation occur when there are collected statistics on topics that are not covered by national legislation i.e., housing benefits in the Faroe Islands.

Therefore, the data producers are currently advised to use “0” in cases where data cannot occur or is not applicable.