LAPOP (Latin American Public Opinion Project) is a global leader in survey research, pioneering the study of public opinion and democratic processes across the Americas. Founded in the 1970s by Dr. Mitchell Seligson at Vanderbilt University, LAPOP began with groundbreaking work on democratic values in Costa Rica during a time of regional repression. As democracy expanded, LAPOP grew into a center of excellence, now conducting nationally representative surveys in over 34 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.
Through its flagship AmericasBarometer, launched in 2004, LAPOP delivers high-quality, comparable data on political attitudes, social values, and governance. Key features include:
- Standardized surveys covering democracy, corruption, gender equality, and citizen engagement.
- National probability samples of voting-age adults, enabling cross-national and longitudinal analysis.
- Stratified designs and country-specific modules for nuanced, policy-relevant insights.
With over 385,000 interviews, LAPOP’s datasets are widely cited in scholarship and have informed policy with partners like USAID and the Inter-American Development Bank. Hosted by Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development, LAPOP continues to shape understanding of democratic trends. Explore resources at the official LAPOP website.
Access LAPOP’s datasets through our licensing page for academic and commercial applications.