What is EN ISO 3166-2:2013?

In this technical article, we will delve into the details of EN ISO 3166-2:2013, a standard that pertains to country codes and their subdivisions. Understanding this standard is crucial for various industries and organizations that rely on accurate geographic information.

The Purpose and Scope of EN ISO 3166-2:2013

EN ISO 3166-2:2013 is a part of the ISO 3166 series of standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It builds upon the original ISO 3166-1 standard, which defines two-letter codes for countries and territories. The purpose of EN ISO 3166-2:2013 is to provide a standardized system for coding the names of principal subdivisions of countries, such as states, provinces, or regions. These codes facilitate the exchange of information between different systems and ensure consistency in data representation across various applications.

The Structure of EN ISO 3166-2 Codes

EN ISO 3166-2 codes consist of a combination of a country code from ISO 3166-1 followed by a hyphen and a subdivision code. The subdivision code is typically made up of up to three alphanumeric characters, uniquely identifying each subdivision within a country. For example, "US-NY" represents New York as a subdivision of the United States. The codes are designed to be easily recognizable and memorable, enabling efficient communication and data management.

Benefits and Applications of EN ISO 3166-2:2013

The adoption of EN ISO 3166-2:2013 brings several benefits to various sectors. Government agencies utilize these codes for administrative purposes, such as electoral processes and census data analysis. Businesses rely on them for mapping, logistics, and targeted marketing campaigns. In the shipping industry, EN ISO 3166-2 codes ensure smooth international trade by accurately identifying the origin and destination of goods. Additionally, the standard aids in data aggregation and analysis, both at a national and global level, enabling informed decision-making and resource allocation.