How to Cite Data from the World Bank
Introduction
The World Bank is a global development institution that provides financing, advice, and expertise to developing countries to achieve sustainable economic and social development. To ensure that the World Bank’s data is accurately cited and attributed, it is essential to understand how to cite their data properly. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite data from the World Bank.
I. Understanding the World Bank’s Data Sources
The World Bank provides a wide range of data on economic, social, and environmental indicators. To cite their data, it is essential to understand the sources of the data. The World Bank’s main data sources include:
- CPI (Cost of Living Index): A widely used indicator of the cost of living in different countries.
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): A measure of the total value of goods and services produced within a country.
- Human Development Index (HDI): A composite index that measures factors such as life expectancy, education, and income.
- Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS): A series of surveys that collect data on demographic and health indicators.
II. Citing World Bank Data
The World Bank’s data can be cited using a variety of citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Here are some general guidelines for citing World Bank data:
- APA Style: The most commonly used citation style in the United States. To cite World Bank data in APA style, use the following format:
- "World Bank. (Year). <http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan/index" (accessed
).
- "World Bank. (Year). <http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan/index" (accessed
- MLA Style: The most commonly used citation style in the United States and Canada. To cite World Bank data in MLA style, use the following format:
- "World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan (accessed
).
- "World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan (accessed
- Chicago Style: The most commonly used citation style in the United States. To cite World Bank data in Chicago style, use the following format:
- "World Bank. "Country-specific data." World Bank website, <http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan/index", accessed
."
- "World Bank. "Country-specific data." World Bank website, <http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan/index", accessed
III. How to Cite World Bank Data in Research Papers
To cite World Bank data in research papers, you need to provide the following information:
- Journal title: The title of the journal where the data is published.
- Volume and issue number: The volume and issue number of the journal where the data is published.
- Year: The year of publication.
- Article title: The title of the article or chapter that contains the data.
- Author: The authors of the article or chapter.
- Link: A link to the article or chapter in the journal’s website.
Here is an example of how to cite a World Bank data in a research paper using APA style:
"WORLD BANK. (2019). Country-specific data. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/japan/index
KIM, J. (2020). Economic growth in Japan. Journal of Economic Development, 65(2), 1-15. doi: 10.1007/s10670-019-00683-8
This citation indicates that the data is from the World Bank’s website, and the article is titled "Economic growth in Japan" published in the Journal of Economic Development, Vol. 65, No. 2, 2019."
IV. How to Cite World Bank Data in Academic Databases
The World Bank’s data is also available in various academic databases, such as Data.gov and the World Bank’s Open Data Platform. To cite World Bank data in these databases, you need to provide the following information:
- Database title: The title of the database where the data is available.
- Dataset title: The title of the dataset where the data is available.
- Access date: The date of access to the dataset.
- URL: A link to the dataset in the database.
Here is an example of how to cite a World Bank data in a database using APA style:
WORLD BANK. (2020). Country-specific data. World Bank Open Data Platform, https://data.worldbank.org/index
This citation indicates that the data is from the World Bank’s Open Data Platform, and the dataset is titled "Country-specific data".
V. Citing World Bank Data in Publications
To cite World Bank data in publications, you need to provide the following information:
- Author: The author(s) of the publication.
- Title: The title of the publication.
- Date of publication: The date of publication.
- URL: A link to the publication in the World Bank’s Open Data Platform or other online sources.
Here is an example of how to cite a World Bank data in a publication using APA style:
WORLD BANK. (2020). Country-specific data. World Bank Open Data Platform, https://data.worldbank.org/index
Jenkins, M. P., & Raj, A. (2019). Economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Journal of Economic Development, 64(2), 25-40. doi: 10.1007/s10670-019-00688-8
Conclusion
Citing World Bank data is essential to ensure that the World Bank’s data is accurately attributed and accurately cited. By understanding the sources of World Bank data and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively cite World Bank data in research papers, academic databases, and publications.
