Google has launched a beta of Public Data Explorer, which allows users to find data on all sorts of subjects and turn it into graphs.

For example, you can get statistics about unemployment rates in Europe by month and by gender (see graphic below), mortality rates and the cost of living from countries and regions around the world and compare them against each other.

Data has been provided by a number of organisations including the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the California Department of Education, Eurostat, the US Center for Disease Control and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The tool is aimed at students, journalists and researchers.

“We’re excited that all around the world new data providers are deciding to make their information freely available on the internet, enabling innovators to create interesting applications, mash up the data in new ways and discover profound meaning behind the numbers,” said Google’s Jürgen Schwärzler.

Google Public Data Explorer - Unemployment in Europe by Month and Gender