The Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS) is a new national data service that came into operation in January 2003. ESDS International, hosted by MIMAS at the University of Manchester is a specialist service of the ESDS which provides access to, and support for, a range of international datasets - both macro and micro sources. The service aims to promote and facilitate increased and more effective use of international datasets in research, learning and teaching across a range of disciplines.

ESDS International provides UK academics with free online access to the macro datasets via the Beyond 20/20 Web Data Server, a fully accessible application specifically designed for data dissemination, analysis and visualisation.

The data portfolio is built around international statistical databanks that collectively chart over 50 years of global, social and economic change. The key databanks include OECD's Main Economic Indicators, IMF Direction of Trade and International Financial Statistics, UNIDO's Industrial Statistics and Demand Supply databases and the World Bank's World Development Indicators and Global Development Finance.

For more information, please visit the ESDS International website.