Knowledge Base

The latest information and guides on how to best understand and use ACLED data.

Frequently asked questions about our new website and myACLED

Documentation on ACLED’s methodology, including how ACLED sources and codes information on political violence and protest.

General guides on how to use and access the latest ACLED data.

A selection of questions frequently asked by users of ACLED data.

A running log of the latest changes in the ACLED dataset.

Examples of how to use the various endpoints of the API, as well as detailed information on how to construct complex queries.

All guides

Use the filters below to find the relevant guides, or click here to search.

Showing 10 of 79 items

Explanation of the 'disorder type' variable in classifying events as political violence, demonstrations, or strategic developments.

ACLED data includes details on the precision of reported dates and locations.

Article on how ACLED records injuries and fatalities associated with events.

ACLED does not systematically code fatality figures by group or total civilian deaths; information is inconsistent.

Guide to changes in ACLED dataset columns, including removals, additions, and user adaptation strategies.

Country and time-period coverage of ACLED data across regions.

Instructions on how to access and use ACLED data, including download options and related terms of use.

Information on finding data on specific themes such as violence targeting civilians, women, or disorder related to trends.

ACLED data are structured in a spreadsheet format, with each row representing an individual event containing specific information.

Information about the disaggregation of political violence and demonstration events in the ACLED dataset.