The Open Budget Survey is a comprehensive analysis and survey that evaluates whether governments give the public access to budget information and opportunities to participate in the budget process at the national level. The survey also assesses the capacity and independence of formal oversight institutions. The IBP works with civil society partners in 100 countries to collect the data for the survey.
These materials were developed by the International Budget Partnership. IBP has given us permission to use the materials solely for noncommercial, educational purposes.
Last updated by source: 2024-06-21
| Dataset type: | Time-Series |
| Dataset level: | Country |
(International Budget
Partnership, 2024)
The categorical classification of the rounded Open Budget Index (OBI) score, also known as transparency. It classifies countries into five categories: 1. Scant or no information (OBI ≤ 20) 2. Minimal information: (20 < OBI < 41) 3. Limited information: (40 < OBI < 61) 4. Substantial information: (60 < OBI < 81) 5. Extensive information: (OBI ≥ 80)
More about this variableOversight refers to the presence and effective functioning of key institutions responsible for monitoring public finances, including the legislature, national audit office, and independent fiscal institutions. It assesses whether these bodies have the necessary authority, resources, and independence to scrutinize government activities and ensure accountability. The score is based on an average of 18 survey questions evaluating the capacity and effectiveness of these oversight institutions.
More about this variableThe Open Budget Index (OBI) is a comparative measure of central government budget transparency. The OBI assigns countries covered by the Open Budget Survey a transparency score on a 100-point scale using 109 questions on the Survey. These questions focus specifically on whether the government provides the public with timely access to comprehensive information contained in eight key budget documents in accordance with international good practice standards.
More about this variablePublic participation measures the extent to which there are formal, inclusive, and meaningful opportunities for the public, including marginalized and disadvantaged groups, to engage in the national budget process. It evaluates whether the government provides accessible channels for public input and feedback on budget decisions. The score is calculated as the average of responses to 18 survey questions in Open Budget Survey.
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