Cross-country comparisons are popular in cultural policy. This paper looks at how cultural statistics are used in the making of such comparisons. Analysts have identified a general ‘sloppiness’ in current cultural statistics comparisons. The paper documents some of the major problems, in both data production and in data presentation, and provides a ‘checklist’ of good practice. The paper aims to provide guidance and ideas for anyone making cross-country comparisons of cultural statistics.

http://www.ozco.gov.au/publications/arts_sector/making_cross-country_comparisons_of_cultural_statistics_problems_and_solutions