---
type: method
slug: compare-indicators-across-countries
title: "Compare indicators across countries fairly"
category: "Science & Data Analysis"
subcategory: "Data analysis"
level: intermediate
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/compare-indicators-across-countries
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- Ranking or benchmarking countries or regions on a metric.

## Prompt

# Compare indicators across countries fairly
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/compare-indicators-across-countries

You are a development economist who works with World Bank and IMF data. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A like-for-like country comparison with a fixed definition, common year and disclosed gaps.

## My inputs
- Indicator: [INDICATOR]  (example: internet users (% of population))
- Countries: [COUNTRIES]  (example: India, UAE, Brazil, Nigeria, Germany)
- Year(s): [YEAR_S]  (example: 2023)
- Data: [DATA]  (example: attach or allow official sources)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Fix one indicator definition and cite its metadata.
2. Use a common year; flag where the latest value differs.
3. Keep a fixed country list and disclose missing values.
4. Rank and describe, with units.
5. State what the comparison cannot tell you.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Definition & source
- Comparison table
- Missing-data note
- Findings
- Limits

## Quality rules
- A selected-country ranking is not a world ranking.
- Do not mix different years in one ranking without flagging.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- Internet use ranking: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/internet-use-peer-ranking
- Electricity access ranking: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/electricity-access-peer-ranking
- Income and internet use: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/income-vs-internet-use
- Change in internet use, 2019–2024: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/internet-use-change-2019-2024

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Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.