Resource
Here you can find a wide range of resources to help you use and understand ACLED data.
General guides for using and accessing the latest ACLED data can be found under the Use & Access Guides section.
Documentation for ACLED’s core methodology as well as explainers for region-specific methodology decisions can be found under the Core Methodology and Region-Specific Methodology sections.
Use & Access Guides
This section contains information on how to use ACLED and get the latest version of the dataset.
Quick Guide to ACLED Data
A general overview of the dataset with FAQs for new users
2023 Column Changes
Explanation of changes to the structure of the dataset introduced in March 2023
Country/Time Period Coverage
List of time coverage for each country or territory in the dataset
Access Guides
Step-by-step guide for registering and navigating the ACLED Access Portal
FAQs: Registration & Access Model
Common questions regarding ACLED’s access model and registration system
API Guide
Instructions for use of ACLED’s API including commands
Core Methodology
This section contains ACLED’s core methodology documents as well as explainers for specific actor and associate actor types.
Codebook
Detailed overview of ACLED coding methodology
Event Definitions
Definitions of ACLED Event Types and Sub-Event Types
Coding Review Process
Brief overview of how ACLED data are collected and reviewed
Using Strategic Developments
Explainer on how the Strategic Developments Event Type may be used for analysis
FAQs: Fatalities Methodology
Detailed overview of how reported fatalities are coded
FAQs: Sourcing Methodology
Detailed overview of how ACLED data are sourced
Coronavirus-Related Disorder Events
Overview of how events directly related to the coronavirus pandemic are coded
Sexual Violence
Overview of how and when sexual violence is coded
Back-Coding
Overview of how and when new sources are added to ACLED coverage
Tags in the data
Explainer on the ‘Tags’ column, and the full list of tags coded in the data
FAQs: Disorder Involving Media Workers
Explainer on what can and cannot be done with ACLED data on disorder involving media workers
FAQs: Disorder Involving Peacekeepers
Explainer on what can and cannot be done with ACLED data on disorder involving peacekeepers
FAQs: Disorder Involving Health Workers
Explainer on what can and cannot be done with ACLED data on disorder involving health workers
FAQs: Gendered Associate Actors
Explainer on how ACLED tracks Political Violence Targeting Women, Demonstrations Featuring Women, and Political Violence Targeting Women in Politics
Indirect Killing of Civilians
Explainer on how civilian deaths not due to direct targeting are coded in ACLED data
Region-Specific Methodology
This section contains information on methodological decisions and sourcing profiles unique to specific regions or contexts.
Burundi Sourcing Profile
Overview of sources used by ACLED to cover political disorder in Burundi
Ethiopia Sourcing Profile
Overview of sources used by ACLED to cover political disorder in Ethiopia
Boko Haram and ISWAP Factions
Explainer on how Boko Haram and ISWAP Factions are coded in ACLED data
Disorder in Central Asia & the Caucasus
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in Central Asia and the Caucasus
Disorder in Northern Ireland
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in Northern Ireland
Conflict in Ukraine
Explainer on how ACLED codes the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region
Disorder in China
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in China
Disorder in North Korea
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in North Korea
Disorder in Myanmar
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in Myanmar
Gang Violence: Concepts, Benchmarks & Coding Rules
Detailed overview of when and how gang violence is included in ACLED data
Disorder in Brazil
Explainer on how ACLED codes political violence and demonstrations in Brazil
Political Armed Groups in Colombia
Explainer on how ACLED codes political armed groups in Colombia
Israel/Palestine Sourcing Profile
Overview of sources used by ACLED to cover political disorder in Israel/Palestine
Control, Contestation, and Activity in Syria
Explainer on how ACLED measures and assigns territorial control to warring parties in Syria
Kurdish Forces
Overview of Kurdish forces coded across Iraq, Syria, and Iran in ACLED data
Yemen Civil War
Overview of ACLED coding decisions in the context of the Yemen Civil War