On December 16, 2025, the World Development Indicators (WDI) database was updated, bringing new insights and refreshed data across a wide range of development topics.
What’s New in the December 2025 Release (by theme)?
People
Universal Health Coverage (UHC): The latest UHC Service Coverage Index and its sub-indices are now available. The data shows notable gains in access to essential health services.
Population Data: Urban and rural population figures, growth rates, and related indicators have been updated, including data on slum populations.
Health and Nutrition: New data on tuberculosis incidence and treatment, undernourishment, and vitamin A supplementation provide a more complete picture of global health trends.
Prosperity
International Debt Statistics: End-2024 external debt stocks and flows are now available, based on the 2025 International Debt Report (IDR). External debt stock in low- and middle-income countries was $8.9 trillion in 2024, while growth had slowed to 1.1% from 2023.
National Accounts: Updated macroeconomic indicators for GDP, PPP, and government finance statistics, including Ethiopia and Venezuela. Special notes available in the “What’s New” announcement address data publication pauses and currency transitions in these countries.
Planet
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: The update, based on WHO/UNICEF data includes 18 indicators and covers safe drinking water, sanitation, and handwashing facilities.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Emissions data broken down by individual greenhouse gases and by sector are now available for 2024. Total global GHG emissions (excluding land use change) reached an estimated 53.2 Gt CO2e in 2024, a 1.3% increase over 2023.
Infrastructure
Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI): The SPI now covers 188 economies, up from 167 in 2016, allowing for broader comparisons of national statistical systems.
Air Transport: Latest data on air traffic, including departures, passengers, and freight, sourced from ICAO.
Digital
Internet Access: Over 70% of the global population now use the internet, but disparities persist.
This December update also incorporates methodological updates for the UHC Service Coverage Index and Financial Hardship Indicator.
The data is accessible through multiple platforms, including the WDI website, DataBank, and the Open Data portal. A complete list of updates is available in the full WDI release note for December 2025.
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