The current database contains statistical data and metadata compiled in preparation of the
2012 Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific(updated).
The database was last updated in March 2013.
How to create tables and charts
To access the user manual, click on the link below:
User Manual (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. General
1.1 What is the purpose of this tool?
1.2 What can be done with the tool?
1.3 How do I use this tool?
1.4 What is the source of the statistical information?
1.5 Where can I find metadata about the statistical indicators?
2. Data and metadata
2.1 Which countries are covered by the statistical database?
2.2 What is the composition of the regional aggregates?
2.3 How are aggregates calculated?
3. Technical
3.1 I am having trouble viewing this tool - why?
3.2 I am told that I need to download Microsoft Silverlight to view the charting application?
3.3 Is my computer's operating system and browser compatible with Microsoft Silverlight?
3.4 How do I reset my browser zoom settings?
3.5 What data formats does this tool support?
4. Who can I contact regarding discrepancies in the data?
1. General
1.1 What is the purpose of this tool?
The purpose of this tool is to enable users to easily access and manipulate
statistical data covering a wide range of issues in relation with the secretariat's
work: demography, migration, education, health, poverty, gender, employment,
economy, government finance, employment, transport, and environment.
1.2 What can be done with the tool?
This tool has two core functionalities:
A. Create Table - this allows users to query the database and extract data
tables that can exported (downloaded) in a variety of formats, including Excel.
B. Create Chart and maps- this allows users to display statistical series
as animated graphs with the animation movement provided by changes of data
values over time. The tool currently offers to display statistical data series
as:
- Line graph. Comparison over time of up to 6 countries/areas or regional
aggregates for one given data series.
- Scatter plot. Represents the relative movement over time for two data series
for up to 6 countries/areas or aggregates. Each point of the scatter plot
can additionally set to population size or economy size (GDP).
- Maps. Represnts one data series for all countries/areas over a world map.
The changing data values over time are visualized as changing colour intensity
over time. Only regional aggregates are presented for countries outside of
ESCAP region (Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America.
1.3 How do I use this tool?
A help tutorial is provided for your convenience. You can access this tutorial in two formats:
A. Video Help Tutorial - a flash based video designed to get you using our tool within 5 minutes
B. Help Document - a static HTML tutorial which you can also download to your computer
1.4 What is the source of the statistical information?
Data available in the underlying database are sourced from selected global
international organizations producing statistical information. For each data
series, the specific data source is indicated in the metadata (I icon) accessible
from the tabulation tool.
1.5 Where can I find metadata about the statistical indicators?
The I icon next to the indicator name in the selection tree provides the following information for each series: a definition, the source of the data, including the date of download from the data source, and some information on aggregation and imputation methodology used, if any.
2. Data and metadata
Please click Statistical Methods
3. Technical
3.1 I am having trouble viewing the charts - why?
This interactive charting application was designed to be viewed with Microsoft Silverlight, a browser plug-in available for a variety of browsers and operating systems.
If you see absolutely nothing on the chart-tab page, it is likely that you do not have Silverlight plug-in installed. You can read more about this in sections 3.2 and 3.3.
If you see graphics on your page that are slightly skewed, or which are too large/small, it is most likely that you will need to reset your zoom settings. You can read more about this in section 3.4
3.2 I am told that I need to download Microsoft Silverlight to view the charting application. Why?
The charting application was designed to be viewed with Silverlight, which is similar to Adobe's Flash. You will need to download Silverlight to use the charting application.
If your browser does not prompt you to download the Silverlight plug-in, you can
download it directly here.
3.3 Microsoft Silverlight Operating System and Browser Compatability
| Operating System
| IE8
| IE7
| IE6
| Firefox 3
| Safari 3
| Safari 4
| Chrome
|
| Microsoft Windows Vista |
Y |
Y |
|
Y |
|
|
Y |
| Microsoft Windows 7 |
Y |
|
|
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| Microsoft Windows XP SP2, SP 3 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
|
Y |
| Apple Macintosh OS X |
|
|
|
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3.4 How do I reset my browser zoom settings?
In Mozilla Firefox, from the menu bar, select "View" -> "Zoom" -> "Reset Zoom"
In Microsoft IE, from the menu toolbar, select "Page" -> "Zoom" -> "100%"
In Google Chrome, select the Page icon near the top-right, then select "Zoom" -> "Normal"
In Apple Safari, select the Page icon near the top-right, then select "Zoom" -> "Actual Size"
*Note: the keyboard short-cut CTRL+0 works to re-zoom Silverlight in Chrome and Safari, but not
Firefox or Internet Explorer.
3.5 What data formats does this tool support?
We plan to add additional data export formats in the future. Currently, you can export data from the tabular view in
Office Open XML format, which is supported by Microsoft Office 2003, 2007, 2010, and OpenOffice Calc
(version 3 or later). Other spreadsheet programs may be able to read the files - check your spreadsheet software for
compatibility.
4. Who can I contact regarding discrepancies in the data?
Should you have any question regarding the data content, please contact ESCAP Statistics Division
via email at stat.unescap@un.org
Last modified on 28 March 2013