Classification of world division

The classification has been drawn up with SSB's needs for producing statistics in mind. The divisions are based on professional considerations on the basis of demographic and geographical considerations. Consideration has also had to be given to the demand from external users. The standard has four hierarchical levels, will be valid from 01.01. 2023. It only has one older version (2021) to make the transition easier. Earlier versions exist as variants of Standard for country codes (SSB-3). The variants are called Country Grouping world division. Level 1 mainly consists of value components. In addition, there is a separate category for Norway, as well as a stateless and unspecified category. A two-digit alpha-numeric code preceded by the letter "V" (for World Division) and a serial number is used. At level 2, shared values are further divided into geographical areas based on continental borders, i.e. regional borders copy continental borders to the greatest extent possible. Regions are drawn to achieve greater homogeneity in population sizes, demographic conditions and accuracy of demographic statistics. The code is three digits and derived from the level above. Level 3 has a four-digit alpha-numeric code derived from the level above. The area is divided into mesoregions. These correspond to a large extent with the UN's regional divisions, but adjustments have been made in Europe and America. Level 4 consists of countries with a three-digit numerical code, often referred to as SSB_3.

World division 2021

The standard for world division was previously documented in KLASS only partially as a variant of the Standard for countries and citizenship in personal statistics called Country divisions of the world. For information on changes, see the table of changes and the publication below.