The IIF database has been an important source of economic and financial data for over 30 years, providing annual figures and forecasts for nearly 60 emerging and frontier markets. For all countries, the time series in our dataset consist of over 250 key indicators within the categories: i) National Accounts and Employment; ii) Trade and Current Account; iii) External Financing; iv) Monetary Accounts and Policy Variables; v) Fiscal Accounts and Public Debt; vi) Banking and Financial Markets; and vii) the World Economic Framework. Regional and country teams, in conjunction with the Global Macro Analysis department, conduct rigorous checks on data to ensure our members are provided with high-quality data. Furthermore, forecasts are the product of in-house models and staff estimates, capturing the interdependency of domestic and external forces.

You can find a downloadable version of the FAQ document, with screenshots of how to download our data here.

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1. How many and which countries do you cover?

We cover nearly 60 emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Saharan Africa.  Our Capital Flows Report includes 25 of these countries. A full listing of countries by region can be found by clicking on “Research” on the homepage, then clicking on “Regional and Country”, and selecting the region (see question 3b).


2. Over what time period does the data extend?

Data series for some countries go as far back as 1978 if published by authorities. Meanwhile, forecasts are provided for up to two years beyond the current year.

 
3. Where can I download data from the IIF website? 

There are two ways to download country data:
a)    Using the download tool on the homepage - click on “Research”, scroll down and click on the “Data” icon. This is the best place to download cross-country data.
b)    From the individual country page -on the homepage - click on “Research”, then click on “Regional and Country” in the grey bar. Then select the region and country of interest. Scroll down the country page and click on the “Economic Data” box. This is the best place to download a full set of the most relevant individual country data in Excel. This covers the eight most recent years and includes forecasts.

 
4. Where can I find a complete list of available variables in the data download tool with their definitions?

All variables with their codes and definitions are listed in the IIF Database Glossary.

 
5.What are the codes for some of the most popular variables?

Real GDP growth (E101), unemployment (S440), current account % of GDP (B252), nonresident capital flows (F100), nonresident foreign direct investment (F110), nonresident portfolio flows (F120), reserve accumulation (F500), total external debt (D100), reserves excluding gold (A500), import cover (A506), private sector credit growth (M252), inflation (M805 and M815), policy rate (K500 and K501), budget deficit % of GDP (G302), government debt % of GDP (G502 and G602).

 
6. Who do I reach out to if I have a problem?

If you are having difficulty using the data download tool or have general questions, please contact [email protected]. If you have country-specific questions, please contact the analyst responsible for the country. Contact details can be found on all country-specific publications.

 
7. Where can I find IIF's global growth outlook?

We publish the global growth outlook as well as growth projections for the key emerging markets twice a year (April/October) as an addendum to our flagship Capital Flows to Emerging Markets Report.  

 
8. What are the advantages of the IIF databases relative to other widely used ones like the IMF’s WEO or the World Bank’s Global Development Indicators?

The IIF uses an internally consistent framework to generate forecasts. All databases use the same assumptions for external variables such as oil prices and global interest rates. Additionally, we are unique in our approach to reconciling capital flows with changes in debt stocks.


9. Where can I find the Capital Flows to Emerging Markets Report data?

We publish the complete dataset for our Capital Flows to Emerging Markets report on our webpage here.

 
10. Where can I find the Capital Flows Tracker data?

We publish the complete dataset for our Capital Flows Tracker on our webpage here.

 
11. Where can I find the underlying data for the Global Debt Monitor, Frontier Markets Debt Monitor, and Sustainable Debt Monitor?

We publish the complete dataset for our Debt Monitors on our webpage here.

 
12. How frequently are the various IIF datasets updated?

The IIF datasets are updated as follows: i) country databases are updated two times a year, in line with our Global Economic Monitor publication. Moreover, country analysts can provide ad-hoc updates throughout the year when significant events occur; ii) the EM Growth Tracker is updated on a monthly basis; iii) the Bank Lending Survey is updated on a quarterly basis; iv) the Capital Flows to Emerging Markets report and corresponding annual/quarterly datasets are published at a minimum twice a year; v) the Capital Flows Tracker is updated on a monthly basis; vi) the Global Debt Monitor, Sustainable Debt Monitor, and corresponding dataset is published on a quarterly basis; vii) the Frontier Markets Debt Monitor and its underlying database are published twice a year in February and September.

 
13. Where can I find more information?

Please contact us at [email protected] for any questions regarding our data.