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Comparing countries' coronavirus performance

Many articles in the media compare countries with one another - who’s faring better or worse in the fight against coronavirus? But is this helpful - or, in fact, fair?

Many articles in the media compare countries with one another - who’s faring better or worse in the fight against coronavirus? But is this helpful - or, in fact, fair?

Tim Harford and Ruth Alexander discuss the limitations that we come across when we try to compare the numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths in different countries; population size, density, rates of testing and how connected the country is all play a role.

(parked gondolas in a clear silent canal in Venice, Italy, April 19, 2020. Photo credit:Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Mon 27 Apr 202015:50GMT
BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 25 Apr 202017:50GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia & South Asia only
  • Sun 26 Apr 202005:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Mon 27 Apr 202008:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Mon 27 Apr 202012:50GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Mon 27 Apr 202014:50GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Mon 27 Apr 202015:50GMT
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa

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Podcast

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    Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life