CLDR (Common Locale Data Repository)
Unicode's comprehensive database of locale-specific formatting rules and translations.
Definition
CLDR (Common Locale Data Repository) is a project of the Unicode Consortium that provides locale data for software internationalization. It includes: date/time formats, number formats, currency information, plural rules, language names, territory names, and more for hundreds of locales. CLDR data powers the JavaScript Intl API, ICU libraries, and most i18n frameworks.
Examples
- →Plural rules: English has 2 forms, Arabic has 6
- →Date format: US = 'M/d/yyyy', Germany = 'dd.MM.yyyy'
- →Currency: USD symbol position before, EUR after in some locales
- →Language names: 'German' in English, 'Deutsch' in German
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my i18n library use CLDR?
Most libraries include CLDR data for: plural rules (which form to use for numbers), date/time patterns, number formats. JavaScript's Intl API uses CLDR data built into browsers/Node.js. Libraries may bundle subset or full CLDR.
Is CLDR data always accurate?
CLDR is community-maintained and generally reliable, but regional variations exist. Verify critical formats for your target markets. Submit corrections via CLDR Survey Tool if you find errors.