As part of the effort by the United Nations' Statistics Division to facilitate easy access to data resources of the UN System, UNdata ( http://data.un.org ), a web-based data access system was launched for the public. It brings UN statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single entry point from which users can search and download a variety of statistical resources of the UN System.

Since its foundation, the United Nations System has been collecting statistical information from Member States on a variety of topics. The information thus collected constitutes a considerable information asset of the organization. However, since these statistical data are often stored in proprietary databases - each with unique dissemination and access policies - as a result, users are often unaware of the full array of statistical information that the UN System has in its data libraries. The current arrangement also means that users are required to move from one database to another to access different types of information.

UNdata addresses this problem by pooling major UN databases and those of several international organizations into a single internet environment. The innovative design allows users to access a large number of UN databases either by browsing the data series or through a keyword search.

-- UNdata now contains 24 databases and 60 million statistical records. -- (read less)

As part of the effort by the United Nations' Statistics Division to facilitate easy access to data resources of the UN System, UNdata ( http://data.un.org ), a web-based data access system was launched for the public. It brings UN statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single entry point from which users can search and download a variety of statistical resources of the UN System.

Since its foundation, the United Nations System has been collecting statistical information... (read more)