International

=United Nations Statistics Division= []

//Online and in Print // The United Nations //[|Demographic Yearbook]// is a collection of official, international statistics on a wide range of topics. The most recent edition was published in 2006 and is available for $120. Data has been collected since 1948 by surveying over 230 national statistical offices. Information includes statistics on population size and composition, births, deaths, marriage and divorce on an annual basis, economic activity, educational attainment, household characteristics, housing, ethnicity and language, and many other topics.

//In Print// The [|United Nations World Statistics Pocketbook 2008] is a collection of 55 key statistical indicators presented in country profile format. The 2008 edition includes data for 216 countries and areas, collected from over 20 international statistical sources. The topics covered include: balance of payments, communication, education and culture, environment, health, industrial production, international trade, labour force, largest urban agglomeration, national accounts, population, refugees, surface area, United Nations membership, etc. The pocketbook includes notes on the sources and definitions of the indicators to guide users to additional research and information.

Cost is $17; prices are adjusted for developing nations.

//For Students// []

Cyberschoolbus is the United Nation's effort to provide useful information for students and teachers. They have two statistical tools for this audience. Infonation Basic allows a user to create a graph of data for up to six countries. Each table that is generated includes a pop up feature with vocabulary and statistical collection information. Footnotes highlight different methods used by countries to collect data or to clarify when data was collected.

=UNData= []

Searches 24 databases and 60 million records with a focus on international statistics. Most of the statistics are from UN databases but groups such as the World Health Organization have joined this project by contributing their statistical work. This site also includes a glossary of terms as defined by UN divisions. A wiki also gives additional information about topics and statistical surveying for each topic.

=**Statesman's Yearbook**=

//The Statesman's Yearbook// ([]) has been published continuously since 1864. The //Library Journal// states that it is one of the "top 20 best reference resources of the millennium." A site subscription is available online. //The Statesman's Yearbook// is published annually and is updated to include information about recent world events. Information includes data on "population, city profiles, social statistics, climate, recent elections, current leaders, defence, international relations, economy, energy and natural resources, industry, international trade, religion, culture, and diplomatic representatives." The complete archive is now available online with a paid site subscription. The cost for the print edition is $285.

=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)= The OECD is over 40 years old and currently has 40 member countries. The organization's mission is to support democracy and the market economy around the world. As part of their mission, they collect data from OECD member countries and some non-member countries as well. In addition to collecting data, OECD monitors trends, makes economic predictions, and analyzes trends in trade, environment, social, agriculture, and taxation.
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//Online// The OECD provides a free selection of databases as well as a more comprehensive subscription site. The [|OECD.Stats Extracts], the free database, has 4 points of access: searching by keyword, choosing a theme from the menu, using saved queries, and choosing a country and its key indicators.

//Online and in Print// [|OECD Factbook 2009] is available online and in print. It is the OECD's best selling print resource and it provides an overview of economic, social, and environmental indicators. The online version also includes Tredalyzer for creating graphs, interactive maps, and a mobile application. The guide is available for $50.

=The World Bank (Data and Statistics)=

The World Bank gives financial and technical assistance to countries around the world. Their mission is to "fight poverty with passion" by supporting both economic and sustainable environmental goals. The organization states that they are committed to providing accurate and high quality statistics. They work with organizations on "new statistical methods, data collection activities, and statistical capacity-building programs." Their website includes information about data collection methods and efforts to create accurate and meaningful data. The World Bank also supports the UN's Millennium Development Goals by providing analytical work and statistical monitoring.

//Online// The World Bank provides [|Key Development Data and Statistics] for many countries around the world. Economic and development statistics are provided for the world, regions, and individual countries. A Quick Query provides information on 54 indicators and a full database is available by subscription.

//In Print// //World Development Indicators// is the World Bank's annual development data publication. The guide includes "900 indicators for 150 economies and 14 country groups in more than 80 tables. It provides a current overview of the most recent data available as well as important regional data and income group analysis in six thematic sections: World View, People, Environment, Economy, States and Markets, and Global Links." The cost is $75.

=Statistical Agencies (International)= []

The U.S. Census Bureau has compiled a comprehensive list of links to individual countries' statistical reporting agencies.

=CIA World Factbook= == [] The World Factbook includes information about demographics, geography, communications, government, economy, and the military for 266 countries. Country Comparison data are available for 58 //Factbook// data fields. Basic information is available about each country, in addition to statistics. The website is updated every 2 weeks. In 2007, the Government Printing Office began publishing the Factbook; the Factbook is also available through other publishers.

(This version available through Skyhorse Publishing)

=__NationMaster.com__=

== NationMaster ([]) was developed by Luke Metcalfe to create a collection of useful, meaningful international statistics. The site is useful while not completely authoritative. It is easy to sort by country or category of data. Sources are clearly indicated, with links to authoritative statistical sources.