OREANDA-NEWS. April 29, 2015. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)announced today the launch of its new open data portal Numbers for Development, which allows users to explore, visualize and download data from Latin America and the Caribbean. The data comes from diverse research analysis and sources used by the Bank to generate knowledge for its development interventions.

The portal lets users find in a single place a variety of specialized datasets with indicators and raw data on topics such as education, labor markets, poverty, gender participation, global integration and agriculture policy, among others.

Numbers for Development is aimed at researchers, students, policymakers, analysts, and others working in development issues and public policy. The Bank previously offered a BETA version of the portal to early adapters and the feedback was tremendously positive, helping the IDB to create the current version of this useful tool.

With the announcement of the launch, the IDB will also publish a blog series, “How to Use Numbers for Development” with key information and tips on how best to explore, visualize and download the data.

"The IDB is pleased to launch its open data portal, created with the aim of sharing data generated by our teams of specialists during more than 50 years of analytical work conducted by the Bank in our mission to find solutions to the Region’s development challenges. With the launching or Numbers for Development we would like researchers and policy makers to take advantage of this data in designing policies, investigating issues, or any other analytical work to support development of the region", said Santiago Levy Algazi, Vice President for Sectors and Knowledge.

Visit the open data portal Numbers for Development: data.iadb.org

About IDB

The IDB works to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through financial and technical support for countries working to reduce poverty and inequality, the bank helps improve health and education, and advance infrastructure. The IDB aim is to achieve development in a sustainable, climate-friendly way. With a history dating back to 1959, today the IDB is the leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean providing loans, grants, and technical assistance; and conducting extensive research. The IDB maintains a strong commitment to achieving measurable results and the highest standards of increased integrity, transparency, and accountability.