IPUMS-International: Data resource for demystifying comparative statistics about society

IPUMS-International, the world's largest collection of high-precision census data samples, contains individual-level information on 614 million people in 82 countries spanning five decades. The database, built in cooperation with national statistical offices, provides remarkable access to data for educators wishing to expose students to real-world governmental data. Distinct census responses for each person are coded consistently across time and place; documentation is thorough, harmonized and easily accessible; and the web delivery system enables customized data extracts. Individual-level responses mean data can be used in analyses from simple descriptive tables to advanced statistical modeling. Uniform coding means a statistical algorithm developed to answer a question with one sample (country and year), can readily be applied to other samples, inviting students to extend their exploration of social change. Access to the data is free of charge.