The International Debt Report (IDR) is still a reliable and authoritative source on debt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for researchers, policymakers, and the development community, even after changing names and design several times in its fifty years of publication.

Over the course of five decades, the IDR has continuously provided comprehensive external debt data and rigorous analysis, in addition to the related International Debt Statistics database (IDS), which provides aggregate and country-specific external debt data for LMICs by type of borrower and creditor. When combined, these two tools have influenced international debates, provided guidance for legislative solutions, and enhanced the openness of the global financial system—all of which have a significant positive impact on sustainable development on a global scale.

A new publication called Data Sources and Methodology was released last December in an effort to increase the transparency of debt statistics and better meet the needs of data users. It aims to shed more light on the compilation methodology, data sources, and quality assessment procedures that support these crucial debt data and analyses. Users can better grasp the accuracy and dependability of the data by using this guide, which provides a thorough description of the procedures used to gather, harmonise, and validate external debt data. By tackling these important issues, the report reaffirms the World Bank’s dedication to fostering usability, trust, and well-informed decision-making in the context of global debt.

The following are important sections, features, and highlights of the guide:

External debt and its components, which are included in the database and online tables, are defined and described in the handbook. It also describes how the different parts relate to one another.

Comprehensive Approach: The manual describes the approach taken to gather the information in the IDS database. Data aggregation, currency translation, debt stock and flow reconciliation, arrears handling, and future disbursement and debt service payment predictions are all part of this. Additionally, it describes how the database records how debt restructurings affect external debt flows and stocks.

Extensive Data Sources: The guide offers a thorough examination of the several data sources that are utilised to build the IDS database. These consist of:

The main source of debt data is the Debtor Reporting System (DRS), which is based on reports from World Bank member nations that have obtained IDA credits or IBRD loans. The debt instrument level is the focus of these studies.

Creditor Sources for Multilateral Institutions: The World Bank Group member institutions (IBRD and IDA) as well as the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) provide additional information.

The IMF, UNCTAD, and OECD are just a few of the sources that provide macroeconomic data on exports and imports, international reserves, current account balances, foreign direct investment, portfolio equity, and personal remittances at the national level.

Instructions for Internet Users: The tutorial provides detailed instructions on how to use Databank and online tables to access and browse the IDS database. Instructions for making personalised Databank charts, maps, and reports are also included. 

Glossary and Metadata: Lastly, the guide has colour-coded country cards that provide detailed information about every nation in the database. These cards enable users to rapidly obtain country-level information by incorporating metadata, data sources, and country classification based on income, regions, and borrowing eligibility from IDA-IBRD. For a better user experience, our website also provides interactive versions of these nation cards. To aid users in understanding the data compilation process, the final portion of the tutorial includes a glossary of terms used in the IDS database. A list of relevant blog entries is also available to users, which can help them get the most out of the IDS.

Check out the guide to learn more

Discover how the IDS database can improve your research and analysis of external debt data by taking a look at our recently released guide. The handbook is poised to become a vital resource for anyone dealing with international debt figures because of its thorough approach, extensive data sources, and easy-to-follow directions. Utilise this priceless tool to get the most out of the IDS Database.