Data

World Historical Balance of Payments Database

Abstract

A new global dataset covering international transactions from 1800 to the present, WBOP harmonizes balance of payments data across time and countries, enabling long-run comparative analysis of trade, capital flows, and foreign wealth accumulation. The database includes annual series for 57 core territories (48 main countries and 9 residual regions) covering 100% of the world population and GDP on a consistent basis througout the period 1800-2025. The database is accompanied by a working paper and is intended as a public good for researchers, journalists, policymakers, historians and all interested citizens.

Source: Unequal Exchange and North-South Relations: Evidence from Global Trade Flows and the World Balance of Payments 1800-2025 with Thomas Piketty.

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