World Bank Teams up with Google to Share Development Information

What’s the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India? If you type the inquiry into Google now, a graph will immediately display the data ranging from 1960 to 2008 and a figure showing that it is currently $1.22 trillion. If you click on the graph, it will immediately expand and allow you to compare historical figures as well as with that of other countries. I noticed, for instance, that India had a GDP of $36.6 billion in 1960; a 33 fold increase over the last 48 years!

The popular search engine has joined forces with the World Bank in sharing development data through the Data Finder, featuring 17 development indicators based on information provided by the World Bank to make the easy to understand information accessible to a broader audience. The public data tool is exceptionally easy to use and is excellent for comparative research or exploration of data over time. The indicators are as diverse as carbon dioxide emissions, fertility rates, GDP growth, and number of internet users.

It’s quite exciting to see most indicators improving across the board for all the South Asian countries. For instance income per capita ranged from $270 to $740 in 1980 while it has increased to $1,120 to $5,280 in 2008 with Bhutan registering the greatest percentage increase. The only indicator that is less encouraging in the long run is increasing carbon dioxide emissions as the nations develop and embark on increased industrialization. It’s an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in development. Take a look, browse around, and explore the development data that resonates most with you.