Data and Statistics

The following describes the meaning of the thirteen-character DOT time series code, as an aid to locating data. DOT time series codes provide information about the time series that supplements the text descriptors. Positions 1-3 of the code refer to the country and/or area; positions 4-8 refer to the subject; position 9 and 10 are fixed with "Z" and "F", respectively, and positions 11-13 contain the partner country codes.

Illustration of a DOT time series code:

1. The code 21370..DZF111 can be broken down by position, as illustrated below.

Description of codes used in the DOT database, by position

The first three positions of a DOT time series identify the country or area to which the time series data relate. The term "country" does not in all cases refer to a territorial entity that is a sovereign state as understood by international law and practice; the term also covers some non-sovereign territorial entities for which statistical data are maintained and provided internationally on a separate and independent basis.

The country code always consists of three numerics. For the most part, the first digit reflects a regional grouping, as follows:

Data pertaining to an area provide aggregated data for countries that comprise that area. Area groupings may vary by source; users are encouraged to consult the online Country and Area Codes file for the listing of area membership.

In positions 4 through 8 of the time series code is the topic/subject code. It is a five-position alphanumeric code indicating the topic or subject for each time series.

The subjects included in the time series code are: