Scatterplots

A scatterplot describes the relationship between two measurements from each of a collection of 'individuals'. In the context of Official Statistics, scatterplots are usually drawn when the 'individuals' correspond to different countries or regions within a country.

The scatterplot represents each individual with a single cross against a vertical axis (for measurement, Y) and a horizontal axis (for the other measurement, X).

The information in a scatterplot is harder to interpret than that in a pie or bar chart, so scatterplots are not widely used in reports that are aimed at the general public. However publications aimed at a better educated audience can usefully include scatterplots since they contain information that is hard to convey by other means.

Birth rate and life expectancy

The scatterplot below shows the birth rate and life expectancy in all countries for 2005.

Click on any cross to see how its location reflects the values of the country's birth rate and life expectancy.