The World Development Indicators (WDI) database was updated on April 15. This release features new data for indicators such as macroeconomic series and child health statistics—and introduces two major new indicator sets: one focused on the global business environment and another on forcibly displaced populations.
A major highlight of this update is the inclusion of 43 new indicators from the World Bank Group’s Business Ready (B-READY) project. B-READY offers a broad and inclusive view of what drives private sector growth. Its methodology is built around three pillars—Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency—further detailed into ten topics such as taxation, labor, utility services, and international trade. These new indicators evaluate not just the ease of doing business for firms but also consider impacts on workers, consumers, and the environment. The first edition of B-READY data covers 50 economies, with plans for wider geographic reach in future releases.
In parallel, the WDI now features 10 indicators on forcibly displaced people, drawing on authoritative sources including UNHCR, UNRWA, and IDMC. These indicators enhance understanding of forced migration by providing data disaggregated by country of origin and asylum. They include figures for refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and others in need of international protection.
Beyond these new additions, the April update also brings refreshed data on macroeconomic indicators (sourced from the IMF), electricity access and consumption, emissions from land use and forestry, child malnutrition, mortality rates, health risks, and reproductive health.
To explore the data, visit the World Bank Open Data site, or check out the WDI release note for full update details.
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