International standard industrial classification of all economic activities

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The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) is a statistical standard used to classify economic activities by providing a framework for the collection, presentation, and analysis of data relating to various sectors of the economy. It is developed and maintained by the United Nations Statistics Division.

The ISIC is structured into a hierarchical classification system, with four levels of classification:

1. Sections: There are 21 sections, each representing a broad category of economic activities, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.

2. Divisions: Each section is further divided into several divisions, which represent more specific groups of economic activities. For example, the manufacturing section is divided into divisions such as food products, textiles, and machinery.

3. Groups: Divisions are further divided into groups, which represent narrower categories of economic activities. For instance, within the food products division, there are groups for the production of meat, dairy products, and beverages.

4. Classes: Groups are divided into classes, which represent the most specific categories of economic activities. For example, within the meat production group, there are classes for the production of red meat, poultry, and processed meat products.

The ISIC provides a standardized coding system for each level of classification, allowing for consistent data collection and comparison across countries and over time. It is widely used by national statistical agencies, international organizations, and researchers to analyze economic trends, monitor industrial structure, and facilitate international trade and investment analysis.