“The website has something for everyone. Someone who just has one minute and really knows what they’re looking for, to someone who wants to do research and explore the database, or an application developer who wants to link to the database directly” - Shaida Badiee, Director Development Data Group, World Bank
data.worldbank.org opens World Bank databases to all users and includes World Development Indicators (WDI) -- one of the world’s most reliable and comprehensive databases on developing economies--, Doing Business, and many others. These data give a better understanding the human condition in some of the poorest countries and developing economies around the world.
The site allows users several ways to access the data they are looking for. There are several options to find the information and use it effectively. The Data home page offers users the option to access the data directly through the database, by country, by topic, or by indicator. All of the available databases and other data sources are listed in the Data Catalog.
Browse Country data
The Countries page provides a listing of all economies, listed alphabetically. Data are shown for all economies with populations of more than 30,000 and smaller economies if they are members of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or, as it is commonly known, the World Bank. The term country, used interchangeably with economy, does not imply political independence, but refers to any territory for which authorities report separate social or economic statistics.
Users can choose a country from the list and will be presented with a page displaying relevant data for that choice. The top of the page provides context information: region, income group, the country’s GDP, and population.
Browse Topic data
The Topics page provides an alphabetical listing of economic development topics,. Users can choose from the list of sixteen topics and will be presented with a page displaying relevant information for that choice. The page presents a short description of the topic, topic related indicators, regional aggregates, and visualizations of key data. Users can also select a single indicator from the indicators list and view data for over 200 countries and the last five years. If additional data for the topic is needed, the Data Catalog is readily accessible for a complete list of databases, reports, and tables. A direct link to the Data Bank is also available at the top of the page for quick and easy access to six of the World Bank’s main databases. The listing of databases will in Data Bank will continue to be updated and expanded on.
Browse Indicator data
The Indicators page provides a listing of 331 indicators from World Development Indicators (WDI), listed alphabetically. World Development Indicators is the World Bank’s premier annual compilation of development data drawing on data from the World Bank and internationally recognized sources. It is the statistical benchmark that helps measure the progress of development. The indicators listing will continue to be updated to incorporate all of the more than 800 indicators from the World Development Indicators.
Choosing from the list of indicators will present users with a detailed description of the indicator and data for over 200 countries. Indicators are shown for the most recent year or period and the preceding four years for which data is available. The data can be presented as a table or a map and be downloaded in various formats. A direct link to the Data Bank is also available for users who want to access additional data from the WDI and other data sources.
Browse the Data catalog
The World Bank's Open Data initiative is intended to provide all users with access to World Bank data. The data catalog is a listing of available World Bank data sources and provides access to over 2,000 indicators. This listing will continue to be updated as additional data resources are added.
Read Data News The News page presents World Bank and Data Group current news and events. This page keeps users up-to-date and informed on our products, services, and data programs. Users can gain information about our premier publications, new products and tools, updates to existing products, partnerships, and our statistical capacity building efforts.
Learn About the Data
This section of the site is designed to help users understand the various components of the Data Group and its many programs and services. It also helps users understand the process of collecting, compiling, and disseminating data. Improvements in the quality and quantity of data on all aspects of development are essential if we are to achieve the goal of a world without poverty.
The About page also provides answers to detailed questions that are related to methodology, sources, principals, and data quality. The FAQ section covers an extensive amount of questions related to World Bank data publications, data availability and coverage, specific data series, technical problems, and a full listing of acronyms and abbreviations.
Find information for developers
Open Data is about accessibility. This page presents information for developers regarding the two stages of development for data.worldbank.org. This will help developers who wish to work with World Bank Data make preparations for using APIs.
Browse Data Products
The World Bank provides an extensive number of products each year. Our products include publications, CDs, visualization tools, and mobile applications. Detailed information for all our products can be accessed within this page. A description of each product is provided along with suggestions of other products that may be of interest.
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