Missing values

The recommended way of flagging "missing data" in WeSIS is by using an exclamation mark in the column user_na_values (cf. file formats). A detailed description of how to input and upload data containing "missings" can be found in the file upload guide. This way of flagging missing data is very generic to account to give the data providers room for defining "missings" in line with their intention. Still, below you can find a set of "missing codes" that have been agreed upon, and it is strongly recommended to comply whenever you see fit with your indicator to ensure consistency across WeSIS. If you need more codes for unveiling additional information on certain types of "missingness" try to add codes that fit the already existing scheme (e.g., using -444, -555 etc.). In this case, please extend the list so that other projects can adopt your suggestion.

Still, keep in mind that you should document the use of any "missing codes" on each indicator page in the "Quick info box" under "Value labels" to also show up in WeSIS!

Suggested column name	Description
-999	No information available
-888	Absence of a program
-777	Not applicable
-9999	Program not (yet) introduded (applies to indicators with introduction years only)