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Introduction

The CSO Country Classification is a classification of countries largely based on an international standard developed by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for countries and their subdivisions  (ISO 3166). The purpose of ISO 3166 is to define internationally recognized codes consisting of letters and/or numbers that can be used when referring to countries and their subdivisions. ISO 3166 is based on a listing of country categories maintained by the United Nations Statistics Division. It is reviewed regularly at 5-year intervals.

In the CSO Country Classification a country is defined as the current name of a country or dependent territory (either short or official), as established by the International Standards Organisation. This includes:

  • independent countries recognised by the United Nations
  • administrative subdivisions of certain countries, in particular the United Kingdom
  • overseas dependencies, external territories of independent countries
  • independent countries recognised by Ireland or the EU

Classification Structure

This is a flat classification or list with a total of 258 categories, made up of 2, 4, 5 and 8-digit codes mainly representing coutries but also including some country sub-divisions and country groupings. 

This classification is based on the most recent version of ISO 3166 Country Codes and was previously reviewed and updated in 2021.  The 2022 review updated the codes for the constituent parts of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and included the addition of two Spanish enclaves - Ceuta and Melilla.  It also incorporates the revised spelling of Turkiye, which was implemented by the ISO in September 2022. This update caters for various data collection and statistical output requirements within the CSO.

Links to other classifications

The CSO country classification is also closely aligned with Eurostat's GEONOM classification, which was developed for use in European External Trade statistics.

Usage

The CSO country classification or associated modifications are widely used across the CSO, in data collection and in statistical outputs. These are used to indicate point of origin or departure, point of arrival, etc. and are also used in describing nationality or citizenship. 

National

Tourism and Travel

Census of Population 2022 - Summary Results

EU

Eurostat -  International Trade in Goods