The World Economic Outlook (WEO) database contains selected macroeconomic data series from the statistical appendix of the World Economic Outlook report, which presents the IMF staff's analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups and individual countries. The WEO dataset is released twice a year: April and September/October. Please fill out this online form for access to the confidential version--not for redistribution or transfer to any unauthorized third party. The public version is available on the IMF website.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook uses a "bottom-up" approach in producing its forecasts; that is, country teams within the IMF generate projections for individual countries. These are then aggregated, and through a series of iterations where the aggregates feed back into individual countries' forecasts, forecasts converge to the projections reported in the WEO.

Because forecasts are made by the individual country teams, the methodology can vary from country to country and series to series depending on many factors. To get more information on a specific country and series forecast, you may contact the country teams directly; from the Countries tab on the IMF website. (From: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=%2Ddatabase%2FDisclaimer.-,Q.,generate%20projections%20for%20individual%20countries.)

Abstract

Key components of the WFSO database cover the prevalence of severe food insecurity, including estimates for countries lacking official data, population sizes of the severely food insecure, and required safety net financing. Data is presented in a user-friendly format.

WFSO data primarily relies on hunger and malnutrition data from the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, led by the Food and agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with multiple UN agencies. WFSO complements SOFI data by providing estimates for unreported countries. Historical estimates are produced with a machine learning model leveraging World Development Indicators (WDI) for global coverage.

Financing needs for safety nets are calculated similarly to past approaches by the International Development Association (IDA) to assess food insecurity response needs (IDA (2020) and IDA (2021)). Preliminary estimates and projections rely on the same model and incorporate International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s World Economic Outlook (WEO) growth and inflation forecasts. WEO data reflects the IMF's expert analysis from various sources, including government agencies, central banks, and international organizations.

Minor gaps in WDI data inflation data are replaced with unofficial WEO estimates. Minor inflation data gaps not covered by both, are replaced with unofficial inflation estimates from the World Bank's Real Time Food Prices (RTFP) data.

The WFSO is updated three times a year, coinciding with IMF's WEO and SOFI releases. It provides food security projections that align with economic forecasts, aiding policymakers in integrating food security into economic planning.

The WFSO database serves various purposes, aiding World Bank economists and researchers in economic analysis, policy recommendations, and the assessment of global financing needs to address food insecurity.

Additionally, the WFSO enhances transparency in global food security data by tracking regional and global figures and breaking them down by individual countries. Historical estimates support research and long-term trend assessments, especially in the context of relating outlooks to past food security crises.

Geographic coverage

World

Geographic coverage notes

191 countries and territories mutually included by the World Bank's WDI and IMF's WEO databases. The country coverage is based on mutual inclusion in both the World Bank World Development Indicators database and the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook database. Some countries and territories may not be covered. Every attempt is made to provide comprehensive coverage. To produce complete historical predictions, missing data in the WDI are completed with unofficial data from the WEO and the World Bank's RTFP data when inflation data is not available in either database. Final gaps in the WDI and WEO are interpolated using a Kernel-based pattern-matching algorithm. See background documentation for equations.

Analysis unit

Country

Kind of data

Process-produced data [pro]

GDP per capita (current US$) is an economic indicator that measures the average economic output per person in a country. It is calculated by dividing the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country by its population, both measured in current US dollars. GDP per capita provides a useful metric for comparing the economic well-being and living standards between different countries.

There are various sources where you can find GDP per capita data, including international organizations, government agencies, and financial institutions. Some prominent sources for GDP per capita data include:

1. World Bank: The World Bank provides comprehensive data on GDP per capita for countries around the world. They maintain the World Development Indicators (WDI) database, which includes GDP per capita figures for different years.

2. International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF also offers GDP per capita data through their World Economic Outlook (WEO) database. It provides economic indicators and forecasts, including GDP per capita figures for various countries.

3. National Statistical Agencies: Many countries have their own national statistical agencies that publish GDP per capita data. These agencies collect and analyze economic data, including GDP and population figures, to calculate GDP per capita.

4. Central Banks: In some cases, central banks may also provide GDP per capita data for their respective countries. They often publish economic indicators and reports that include GDP per capita figures.

When using GDP per capita data, it's important to note that it represents an average measure and does not necessarily reflect the distribution of wealth within a country. Additionally, GDP per capita figures are often adjusted for inflation to provide real GDP per capita, which accounts for changes in the purchasing power of money over time.

To access the most up-to-date and accurate GDP per capita data, it is recommended to refer to reputable sources mentioned above or consult the official websites of international organizations, government agencies, or central banks that specialize in economic data and analysis.

Graph and download economic data for General government gross debt for France (GGGDTAFRA188N) from 1980 to 2023 about France, gross, debt, and government.

Graph and download economic data for General government gross debt for South Africa (GGGDTAZAA188N) from 2000 to 2024 about South Africa, gross, debt, and government.