The search typology of the countries of the world. Part 1. Selection of indicators

A series of articles is devoted to the development of a search typology of the countries of the world for the purposes of economic and political analysis. The first article reveals the problems of the existing typologies of the countries of the world, which proceed from their ranking based on one criterion– GDP per capita. The typologies known in Russian science were either developed 30-50 years ago or borrowed from international organizations. Therefore, the topic of developing a new typology is relevant. A methodology for classifying countries of the world based on a multi-criteria approach and automatic grouping of objects through cluster analysis is substantiated. An overview of the sources of information is provided: the United Nations, the ILO, the IMF, the FAO, and statistical data integrator sites. The list and preliminary assessment of statistical indicators of 197 countries of the world for which analysis can be carried out in order to develop their new classification is given. The application of 60 statistical indicators on macroeconomics, economic sectors, demography, urbanization, human potential and labor resources, standard of living, education and healthcare, provision of the population with the most important goods and services, communications and the Internet as criteria of typology is substantiated. Preliminary conclusions are drawn about the possibilities of further application of the collected database in the analysis of differentiation and classification of countries of the world.