Data Consistency

Differences in timing and reporting practices may cause inconsistencies among data from different sources. So you should be cautious when combining these data.

Our comprehensive publications  World Development Indicators and  Global Development Finance contain data that generally rely on official sources, although some adjustments are made in the balance of payments to account for fiscal/calendar-year differences. Within these publications we attempt to present data that are consistent in definition, timing, and methods. Even so, updates and revisions over time may introduce discrepancies from one edition to the next.

National accounts and balance of payment data come from two sources: current reports gathered by the Bank's country management units and data obtained from official sources. The Country at a Glance tables may present data that differ from those reported in official sources.