Our World in Data is an open-access research and data publication focused on helping the world understand and address its largest challenges, including poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality. Our World in Data publishes interactive data visualizations and in-depth summaries of scientific literature to provide clear, accessible insights into the state of the world today and how it is changing over time.
Their platform covers a wide range of topics—currently over 297—with more than 3,400 charts across subject areas like global poverty, education, health, natural disasters, and climate change. The goal is to democratize access to rigorous data and research, enabling anyone—whether a policymaker, researcher, educator, or concerned citizen—to make informed decisions and understand global progress or setbacks. All content is free, open-source, and intended as a public good, with millions of users each month and frequent citations in academic research and global media.
What technology enables Our World in Data?
Our World in Data leverages modern data visualization frameworks and open-source technologies to present complex datasets in interactive, user-friendly formats. Their commitment to transparency and reproducibility means that the underlying data and code are openly available, supporting both public engagement and academic research. The platform is regularly updated with new datasets and visualizations as issues evolve and new research emerges.
Who uses Our World in Data?
The primary users of Our World in Data are:
- Researchers and academics seeking reliable, referenced datasets and literature summaries
- Policymakers and government agencies making decisions on global development, health, or climate policy
- Journalists and media outlets reporting on global trends
- Educators and students needing accessible, accurate data for classroom use
- The general public worldwide interested in understanding major global challenges
The platform's open-access model and comprehensive coverage make it a trusted resource for millions across different sectors and regions.
Who are Our World in Data's competitors?
Our World in Data operates in the nonprofit, data research, and education space, with a focus on open-access information. Competitors and alternative platforms include:
- Gapminder – Offers interactive statistics and visualizations to promote a fact-based worldview.
- World Bank Data – Provides an extensive collection of global economic and development statistics.
- UN Data – Aggregates official statistics from United Nations member countries.
- Statista – A commercial platform with broad datasets and infographics (less open-source focus).
- OECD Data – Economic and social data focused on OECD member countries.
Unlike some of these, Our World in Data emphasizes open-source principles, deep literature synthesis, and a broad range of societal issues.
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