Despite multiple titles and design changes over half a century of publication, the International Debt Report (IDR) remains an authoritative and trusted resource on low- and middle-income country (LMIC) debt for policymakers, researchers, and the development community.
Along with the associated International Debt Statistics database (IDS), which offers aggregate and country-specific external debt data for LMICs by type of borrower and creditor, the IDR has consistently delivered detailed external debt data and rigorous analysis over five decades. Together, these two resources have shaped global discussions, informed policy solutions, and strengthened transparency in the international financial system, all of which go a long way toward supporting sustainable development worldwide.
To further enhance transparency in debt statistics and better serve the needs of data users, a new publication – Data Sources and Methodology – was introduced last December to provide greater clarity about the compilation methodology, data sources, and quality assessment processes that underpin these important debt data and analyses. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how external debt data is collected, harmonized, and validated, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of the rigor and reliability behind the figures. By addressing these critical aspects, the publication reinforces the World Bank’s commitment to promoting trust, usability, and informed decision-making in the global debt landscape.
Key sections, highlights, and features of the guide include:
Definitions: The guide defines and describes external debt and its components that are included in the database and online tables. It also explains the relationships between the various components.
Detailed Methodology: The guide outlines the methodology used to compile the data in the IDS database. This involves the processes of data aggregation, currency conversion, debt stock and flow reconciliation, treatment of arrears, and projections of future disbursements and debt service payments. It also explains how the database captures the effects of debt restructurings on both external debt stocks and flows.
Comprehensive Data Sources: The guide provides an in-depth look at the various data sources used to populate the IDS database. These include:
- The Debtor Reporting System (DRS): The primary source of debt information, based on reports from World Bank member countries that have received IBRD loans or IDA credits. These reports are at the debt instrument level.
- Creditor Sources for Multilateral Institutions: Additional information is received from the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and member institutions of the World Bank Group (IBRD and IDA).
- Other Sources: Includes macroeconomic data at the country level on exports and imports, international reserves, current account balances, foreign direct investment, portfolio equity, and personal remittances from sources including the IMF, UNCTAD, and the OECD, among others.
User Guides for Online Access: The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to access and navigate the IDS database through Databank as well as online tables. It also contains instructions for creating custom reports, charts, and maps on Databank.
To run a data query, visit https://databank.worldbank.org/source/international-debt-statistics.
Metadata and Glossary: Finally, the guide includes color-coded country cards with comprehensive information about each country in the database. These cards incorporate metadata, data sources, and country classification based on income, regions, and borrowing eligibility from IDA-IBRD, allowing users to quickly access country-level information. Additionally, our website offers interactive versions of these country cards for an enhanced user experience. Last section of the guide features a glossary of terms used in the IDS database to help users understand the data compilation process. Users can also find a list of related blog posts which can facilitate their use of and experience with the IDS.
Visit the guide to explore further…
We invite you to explore our new guide to the IDS database and discover how it can enhance your research and analysis of external debt data. With its detailed methodology, comprehensive data sources, and user-friendly instructions, the guide is set to become an essential tool for anyone working with international debt statistics. Make the most of the IDS Database with this invaluable resource.
For more information and to access the IDS database, visit the World Bank Debt Statistics Website.
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