About the World Bank’s Data Group

At the World Bank, the focal point for statistical and data work is the Development Data Group (DECDG) in the Development Economics Vice Presidency. Working closely with the World Bank’s regions and sectors the department is guided by professional standards in the collection, compilation, and dissemination of data to ensure that all data users can have confidence in the quality and integrity of the data produced.

Much of the data comes from the statistical systems of member countries and the quality of global data depends on how well these national systems perform. The World Bank works to help developing countries improve the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of national statistical systems. Without better and more comprehensive national data, it will be impossible to develop effective policies, monitor the implementation of poverty reduction strategies, or monitor progress towards global goals.

More about the Data Group’s work:

• The measurement of development progress
• Global statistical strategy
• Energizing the international system
• Training and client services
• Publications

The measurement of development progress 

World Bank databases are essential tools for supporting critical management decisions and providing key statistical information to Bank operational activities. The application of internationally accepted standards and norms results in a consistent, reliable source of information. DECDG coordinates the data work of the Bank and maintains a number of macro, financial, and sectoral databases. These databases are used by teams preparing Country Assistance Strategies (CASs), poverty assessments, research studies, and other forms of economic and sector work. To see some of these data and web tools, click on the links listed below.

• Millennium Development Goals
• IDA 14 Result Measurement System
• Key development data and Statistics

• Topical data

Global statistical strategy

To be of use, statistics must be both reliable and relevant. They need to be compiled correctly, following standard practices and methodology. They must also meet the needs of the users and answer the questions posed by policymakers.

Developing countries face a number of problems in providing statistics that meet these criteria. They find themselves caught in a vicious cycle—under-investment in national statistical systems constrains activities and results in data of poor quality, which policy makers are unwilling to rely on. This lack of demand for the data leads to fewer resources being made available for their production and quality control. The World Bank is committed to helping developing countries break out of this cycle. Our work includes investments in statistical activities, creating and implementing standards and frameworks for data collection, analysis and dissemination, and strengthening the international statistical system and compiling global datasets.There is also much to be done in raising awareness of the value of statistics among governments, decisionmakers and other users. As advocates for statistics we work in close partnership with developing countries and our partners in the international community.

A priority of the World Bank’s efforts to improve the statistical infrastructure of developing countries is the preparation of national strategies for the development of statistics as recommended in the Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics. These country-driven plans look at the needs of the whole statistical system and provide the basis for coordinated and prioritized donor assistance. Other components of the World Bank’s statistical capacity building program include:

• Statistical Capacity Building                                         
• Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building
• International Comparison Program