World Values Survey

The World Values Survey (WVS) is a global network of social scientists studying changing values and their impact on social and political life. The survey, which started in 1981, seeks to use the most rigorous, high-quality research designs in each country. The WVS consists of nationally representative surveys conducted in almost 100 countries which contain almost 90 percent of the world’s population, using a common questionnaire. The WVS is the largest non-commercial, cross-national, time series investigation of human beliefs and values ever executed, currently including interviews with almost 400,000 respondents. 

Data creator

World Values Survey Association

Date of creation
1981 to 2016
Distributor
WVS
Geography
Time period
1981-present
Sample

Representative national samples

Date of collection
1981 to 2014
Mode of data collecton

Face-to-face interviews

Universe
Entire population 18 years and older
Unit of observation
Individuals
Status
Subsequent waves planned every 5 years
Access status
Open
Access conditions and restrictions

Public use