UNCTAD has modernized the dissemination and visualization of its data, thanks to the new e-Handbook of Statistics.
UNCTAD has taken another important step towards modernizing how it disseminates and visualizes its data, by launching the e-Handbook of Statistics, an electronic version of its annual survey to complement the traditional PDF version.
The e-Handbook, like the original PDF version, provides a wealth of statistics on international trade, investment, maritime, prices and population statistics. But the e-Handbook also provides direct links back to UNCTADstat, giving users the choice of using the summary data provided in the handbook or going directly to the original source data - all at the click of a button.
Visit e-Handbook now: http://stats.unctad.org/handbook/
The e-Handbook offers all the benefits of web browsing - easy navigation between chapters - as well as featuring interactive cartograms and maps, allowing users to zoom-in and click on specific countries to see additional information or data points. Many of the charts are also interactive, allowing users to see all individual data points.
The e-Handbook is designed as a multi-device tool, meaning users can access the handbook from smartphones, tablets or PCs.
The e-Handbook is another stage in the evolution of UNCTAD making statistics accessible and interesting, providing a coherent overview of trends worldwide and novel summary analyses of countries, regions and sectors.
For example, the handbook highlights some of the difficulties experienced by African economies recently, with falling merchandise exports, decreasing volumes of goods loaded in seaports for international shipment and declining foreign direct investment receipts.
The report also identifies some contributing factors, including low product diversification in exports and a high dependency on raw materials compared with other regions of the world.
Future editions of the e-Handbook will continue to evolve, bringing additional features and functionality.
The next edition will be published in December 2018.
