1. How were the data collected?
The data contained in the UIS Database and Yearbook tables have been collected from some 200 countries. Questionnaires were sent to the UNESCO National Commissions who then passed them on to the relevant national authorities (Ministries of Education, Ministries of Finance, the National Library, and so on). These questionnaires are completed by national experts and then returned to UNESCO. Based on the completed questionnaires, and also taking into consideration other national official data sources, the data were then cross-checked and entered into the UNESCO statistical database.
Questionnaires were sent to the Member states in the following domains:
- Education - pre-primary, primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary, tertiary, educational finance
- Science and Technology
- Culture and Communication - museums, films and cinemas, broadcasting and the press, cultural paper and cultural goods and book production.
Other data are collected through joint surveys in collaboration with other international organisations.
Data quality is of the highest priority for the Institute for Statistics. There is a constant two-way dialogue between the Institute's team and national experts to cross-check and analyse all data that are provided by the national bodies.
Data arrive at the Institute in the form of paper and electronic questionnaires that have been completed by national authorities and are then entered into the UIS database. National statistical or educational publications are used at this stage to cross-reference figures, as well as to ensure that no change in the country's education system's structure has occurred since the last questionnaire was entered into the database.
The UIS database's real value lies in the quality of the time series data. In addition, cohort and gender disparity analysis is carried out to try to identify any inconsistencies.
If any inconsistencies in the data presented by the national authorities are noted, the UIS will then contact the country with questions for clarification.
3. How up-to-date are the statistics?
The data currently found in the on-line database are from the years 1970 to 1997. The latest database update for education data on a primary level was made on 8 November 1999. Education data on secondary and tertiary levels (which are now subject to the new ISCED model) date from February 1999.
4.What population data do we use?
Statistics and indicators are calculated using UN population data.