Our World in Data

Suitable task

Develop long-run context from an explained chart, then trace the underlying data and license. The FAQ documents direct CSV data URLs and JSON metadata for automated workflows.[25]

Inputs to prepare

Choose a research topic, a chart or indicator, countries and a time interval. Suggested preparation: write down the definition and whether you need all data or only the displayed subset; the FAQ documents both retrieval scopes.[25]

Expected research outputs

The documented machine-readable outputs include CSV data and JSON metadata.[25] Suggested research output: a chart-linked data extract with its definition, original provider, license, retrieval date and a note explaining why the chosen interval fits the question.

Suggested steps — not executed here

1. Start with a topic or chart that matches the question; read its explanation before selecting countries or changing the time span.
2. Open the chart's data information and record the indicator definition, provider and citation guidance. Check for changes in units and coverage before comparing countries.
3. Use the FAQ's linked data-access documentation to choose a full or displayed-subset download. In your own workflow, save metadata alongside data so the source and meaning are not lost.
4. Before publishing a chart or extract, inspect both the chart license and the underlying provider's terms, add the requested attribution, and state missing-data or comparability caveats.

Access, cost and license boundaries

The FAQ states that Our World in Data is free and accessible for everyone.[25] This is not a blanket license for every underlying dataset: most data comes from third parties and is subject to their licenses.[25] Paid custom services and any particular dataset's commercial permissions were not assessed.

Limitations and unchecked conditions

The FAQ distinguishes its own data from third-party data and asks users to check the provider's license.[25] Editorial caution: long-run associations do not establish causality or a short-term trading signal. No chart download, API request or data-quality benchmark was executed here.

Choose another research route when…

• World Bank Data: If the cited original provider is World Bank, consult its indicator documentation directly to trace definitions and country/indicator queries.[23][28]
• FRED: For a question centered on an economic series and its revision dates, consider the documented series and vintage-date endpoints.[22]

Official evidence for these notes

Source retrieval date: 2026-09-11

• [22] Our World in Data
• [23] Our World in Data
• [25] Our World in Data
• [28] Our World in Data

Pending editorial approval; not approved for search indexing.