Technology · Glossary
Individuals using the Internet (% of population)
IT.NET.USER.ZS
Definition
Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc.
Methodology for Technology indicators
Technology indicators (internet users, mobile subscriptions, broadband, ICT services) are reported by the ITU based on operator returns. Mobile subscription counts often exceed 100% because of multi-SIM behavior, particularly in markets where users have separate SIMs for work, personal, and data. Internet user figures rely on surveys and can lag actual adoption.
How to interpret
- Always check the unit and reporting year before comparing values across countries.
- NULL or "Not available" means the World Bank did not publish a value — we never estimate.
- Year-over-year changes can be driven by methodology updates, not just real economic shifts.