The Statistics Portugal (INE) is committed to meeting the needs of its users by keeping up with the latest technological trends. With the aim of providing easy and fast access to statistical data, INE offers an innovative REST API (Application Programming Interface that enables system and application integration and communication), which allows the creation and extraction of a vast catalog of indicators directly from our Database. In addition, this tool allows users to obtain not only statistical data but also all the necessary metadata for deeper understanding. The INE API is the ideal solution for those who want to integrate official data in a practical and efficient way.

The API made available by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) is a very useful tool designed exclusively for informational purposes and statistical analysis. All data accessed through the API is of public character and may be used in a wide range of applications. However, it is important to note that the use of the API is subject to the terms of use defined by INE, ensuring transparency and proper use of the data.

By using this API, the user acknowledges and accepts the conditions described above. For more details, please consult the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy, available on INE’s website.

Main Features of the INE API

• Real-Time Updating: The API ensures that the data is always up to date and ready to be used immediately.
• Multilingual: Available in Portuguese and English, ensuring global accessibility for a diverse audience.
• Free and Open Access: Completely free of charge and publicly accessible, the API promotes transparency and the democratization of statistical information, allowing everyone to access essential data.
• Data Representation: Data is transmitted in widely used formats such as JSON or XML, facilitating integration with various systems.
• Stateless: Each request is independent and contains all necessary information to be processed, simplifying communication and increasing efficiency.
• Uniform Interface: The API offers a clear and consistent structure, making it more intuitive and easy to use.

This solution was developed to facilitate the integration of statistical data into external applications, ensuring efficiency and flexibility for users.

Advantages of using the REST API:

• Simplicity: The REST API uses widely known HTTP methods, making implementation and understanding easier.
• Scalability: With the ability to support distributed systems, the REST API enables flexible growth, adapting to the needs of your project.
• Platform Independence: Works in any environment that supports HTTP—web, mobile devices, or Internet of Things (IoT)—ensuring versatility.
• Stateless: Each request is independent, simplifying session management on the server and making the system more efficient.
• Cached in Memory: Responses can be stored in cache memory, significantly improving performance and reducing server load.