Before sharing a chart, follow the numbers

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A route through public data for checking a chart’s source, definition, time period, and limits before using it in your own work.

Two charts can appear to disagree while measuring different things. A rate is not a count, current prices are not constant prices, and the latest available year can differ by country. These data collections help move from a compelling picture to the indicator and source behind it. Begin with a question small enough to answer, rather than downloading everything you can find.

Try this first

Choose one indicator and two countries. Record the unit, definition, years, and date you accessed the data. Read the source notes before drawing a trend. If another dataset differs, compare definitions and coverage first. Save the indicator’s specific page or download reference alongside the chart you make.

Keep in mind

Coverage gaps and revisions are part of working with public data. A correlation does not establish a cause, and a country average may hide large differences within the population. Check the source’s reuse and attribution terms.

4 links/I kuratorens valgte rækkefølge

Link 1engelsk

Our World in Data

Start with a topic explanation and examine the chart’s source and indicator notes. Distinguish the publisher’s interpretation from the underlying dataset.

ourworldindata.org

Link 2World Bank Open Data

World Bank Open Data

Find development indicators by economy or subject. Check definitions, available years, and gaps before comparing countries.

data.worldbank.org

Link 3britisk engelsk

Eurostat

Find European statistics and explanations of their indicators. Keep the selected measure, period, and geographic coverage with any table you export.

ec.europa.eu

Link 4engelsk

UNdata

Use the UN data portal to locate relevant statistical collections. Read the contributing source and coverage notes rather than assuming all tables share one method.