Get the Data!

In the previous task we identified the datasource we will be using: (http://databank.worldbank.org/ddp/home.do?Step=12&id=4&CNO=2 in case you missed it). Now let's retrieve the data:

Retrieving the data from the worldbank database is a 4 step procedure. First we have to select the countries we are interested in. Since part of our question is how does your country compare to all the other countries: it's simple: just select all countries.

To do this press on the select all button on the bottom of the country list. This will move all countries to the lower field (as they are selected). To proceed, click next on the bottom right corner.

The window you see now let's you pick the parameters you are interested in. We're interested in debt and in population. Let's find debt first. To do so, enter debt in the search box. above the selection field and hit "Go". You'll see the worldbank (as it is a bank) has a lot of information on different types of debt. The one we are interested in is "Central government debt, total". You'll also find its in % of the GDP (not in a currency we could use to compare. Don't worry, to calculate the total debt, we'll just get the GDP later as well. Select it and then click "Select" on the bottom of the box and then "Next" just as before. If you've selected something else don't worry, just mark it in the box below and click "Remove".

Now the database wants to know which year you are interested in: Actyally we're interested in all the years we have, since we don't know which year we'll get the data from. So hit "Select All".  Followed by "Next". The next step offers you several ways to "Get Data" (on the bottom right). Select "Export", since we want to save it on our computer. A popup window will appear allowing you to download the data as different files. CSV (Comma-seperated values) is a easy to work with format, so select this to start. Your browser will download a strangely named file. Save and rename it to something useful (e.q. Central-gov-debt.csv).

Now you should have the first piece of data we need. Click on the select variables tab and repeat the same for population and the GDP (in US$ - we want to compare the countries, it's easier to do so with one currency).

When you are finished: What other interesting parameters did you discover on the way? What questions could we answer with them? Answer us in the Comments.