Data is a crucial element of any economics course, but finding good quality and reliable data sites online can be difficult. National data services vary in the amount they offer for free online and while some are excellent, others offer little detail. The reliability of the data is something that is also difficult to judge. This is particularly important when it comes to trying to find comparative data to look at the way in which economic performance differs between countries. This is where organisations like the OECD, The EU and the UN can become very useful. They publish substantial comparative datasets – the real problem with all of these organisations is where to start!
One excellent place to start is the free listing of international economic data sites on the Economics Network site.
