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World Development Indicators

A guide to downloading data

Downloading Data from the World Bank World Development Indicators

The World Development Indicators from the World Bank are available in many forms, which is great for researchers, but can be a bit confusing if you don't know what to expect. Follow the steps outlined on the tabs of this guide (and the videos below) to find and use the WDI "databank," which lets you create a customized data download with only the data you need.

Questions? Contact a librarian.

Video Tutorials

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Looking for WDI Annual Reports?

Every year the World Bank writes highly cited reports featuring statistics derived from the WDI. These reports can save you time wrapping your head around the more than 1000 variables included in the dataset. Additionally, they provide historical documentation of how the indicators have been used over time. Browse the annual issues here.