The short answer
Download CSV for a spreadsheet or statistical package and JSON for code. Keep the source, indicator, reference-year and generated-at fields beside every value you use.
Cite EqualAtlas as the compilation and interface, then retain the attribution for Natural Earth geometry and World Bank indicators. A visible value without its year and definition is not a reproducible citation.
Choose CSV or JSON
The CSV file has one row per country or territory and works well in Excel, Google Sheets, R, Python and classroom exercises. Blank cells mean that the source did not supply the required observation; they do not mean zero.
The JSON file preserves nested source metadata and is easier to validate in software. Both exports are generated from the same reviewed profile data as the live atlas, so country pages and downloads cannot silently diverge during a release.
Preserve the fields that explain a number
For population, GDP, GDP per person and life expectancy, preserve both the numeric value and its reference year. For population change, preserve the 2000 and 2024 endpoints as well as the calculated percentage.
Mapped area is calculated from the displayed Natural Earth geometry on the sphere. Describe it as EqualAtlas mapped area rather than an official cadastral, treaty or national-statistics area.
A suggested citation
Suggested attribution: EqualAtlas country and territory indicators, derived from Natural Earth geometry and World Bank Open Data, downloaded from https://equalatlas.com/data/downloads. Add your access date and the generated-at timestamp recorded in the file.
When a style guide requires a dataset title, publisher and URL, use EqualAtlas country and territory indicators; EqualAtlas; https://equalatlas.com/data/downloads. Then cite the original World Bank indicator or Natural Earth dataset in the bibliography.
Make an analysis reproducible
Record the exact columns, filters and formula used. If you rank countries, state how missing observations and territories were handled. If you compare change, require common start and end years rather than mixing each country's latest available value.
International datasets are revised. Keeping the release timestamp makes it possible to explain why a later download differs without assuming that either analysis was careless.
Reuse and limitations
EqualAtlas requests attribution for its compilation, calculations and presentation. The source files retain their own terms and attribution requirements; consult the release README and linked source licences before redistribution.
The dataset is intended for education, journalism and exploratory analysis. For legal boundaries, cadastral area, sanctions, safety or other consequential decisions, consult the responsible authority and the cited primary source.
Explore the evidence
Sources and further reading
Continue with the Equal Earth projection guide, try the interactive map, or review our methodology.