The International Monetary Fund has launched a new platform to support its move to free data and to improve online global statistical dissemination. The new portal enables bulk data downloads and introduces dynamic visualization to showcase datasets that became available free-of-charge on January 1, 2015. The platform will help users better query, visualize, download, and share data.

The databases include International Financial Statistics, Balance of Payment Statistics, Government Finance Statistics, and Direction of Trade Statistics. These will complement other free datasets available on the new platform.

The data platform provides greater flexibility to perform dynamic data visualizations, including across time series and countries. The platform strengthens the narrative and analysis of any data and allows users to customize their data experience.

The IMF will run its existing data portal located at www.elibrary-data.imf.org alongside the new portal located at data.imf.org in parallel for three months to help transition existing users to the new platform. Users will be guided through the change via self-help tools, including training materials and a new self-service online knowledge repository with data and methodology, frequently asked questions, and technical details.