Last updated: July 12, 2026
These standards govern the preparation, review and maintenance of demographic content published on Demographer.org.
Accuracy
Figures must be traceable to an identified source. A country profile should state the applicable year, unit, territorial scope and source whenever these details are necessary to interpret the data correctly.
Values are checked for internal consistency before publication. Population totals, age shares, growth rates, fertility, life expectancy and migration figures are compared with the cited source and with related indicators where possible.
A value is not inserted solely because it appears plausible. When a reliable figure cannot be found, the page should state that the data are unavailable.
Primary and secondary sources
National statistical authorities, census offices, population registers and official government datasets are preferred for nationally reported figures. United Nations databases and other established international sources are used for cross-country comparison, historical reconstruction and projections.
Secondary data services may be used when they provide access to a clearly identified original dataset. They should not replace an available primary source without a stated reason.
Conflicting figures
Two reputable sources may publish different population totals for the same country and year. Differences can result from reference dates, territorial scope, census revisions, population definitions or estimation methods.
When conflicting figures are important to the interpretation of a page:
- The source and reference date of each figure are checked.
- Territorial and population definitions are compared.
- The figure most suitable for the stated purpose is used.
- A note explains the difference when both figures remain relevant.
Conflicting values should not be combined into an unsupported average.
Data years
The publication or review year of a country profile is not necessarily the reference year of every indicator. A page reviewed in 2026 may contain a 2025 population estimate, a 2024 fertility rate and age structure from the latest census.
Each major indicator should show its own reference year. Titles containing a current year describe the current edition of the profile, not a claim that every figure was measured during that year.
Estimates and projections
Observed counts, official estimates and projections must be identified separately.
Population projections depend on assumptions about future fertility, mortality and migration. They describe possible future paths and should not be described as confirmed population totals.
Where a projection variant is used, such as a medium, high or low scenario, the selected variant and projection source should be stated.
Rounding and presentation
Figures are rounded according to their purpose and reliability. Summary cards use readable values, while detailed tables may retain additional precision when it is present in the original dataset.
Excessive decimal precision is avoided when it implies a level of certainty that the source does not support. Percentages normally use one decimal place, fertility rates use up to two decimal places and life expectancy normally uses one decimal place unless greater precision is necessary.
Charts and tables
Charts must be based on the same values displayed in the associated table. Labels, units and years should be visible without requiring the reader to infer them from surrounding text.
A readable HTML table should accompany important charts so that the data remain available to visitors using assistive technology, devices without scripting or text-only browsing tools.
Chart configuration data, scripts and internal identifiers should not appear as visible article text.
Country names and regions
Country and territory names follow the terminology used by the principal source unless a clearer common English name is needed for navigation. Regional labels should remain consistent across the site.
Use of a name, boundary or regional classification does not represent a political position. Disputed territorial questions are described only when they affect the interpretation of demographic data.
Writing standards
Country profiles use direct and neutral language. Statistical changes should be described in proportion to the available evidence.
Content should avoid:
- Unsupported claims about the causes of demographic change
- Political advocacy presented as demographic analysis
- Alarmist descriptions of population growth or decline
- Value judgments about fertility, migration or age structure
- Repeated wording added only to increase page length
- Search phrases forced into unnatural sentences
Terms such as “rapid,” “low,” “young” or “aging” should be supported by figures, time trends or a clear comparison.
Review and updates
Pages are reviewed when important new census results, official estimates, revised international datasets or major corrections become available.
The displayed update date should change only when the data, analysis, sources or material page structure have been reviewed. Routine formatting changes do not require a new data review date.
Corrections
Errors are corrected as soon as they are confirmed. Material changes affecting the interpretation of a page should be disclosed in a correction note. Minor spelling, grammar and formatting changes may be made without a public notice.
Correction requests can be sent to support@demographer.org.