Due to multiple sources for cost sharing data, these estimates are subject to some variation. Generally in this Report, the Department uses the conservative end of the range. In addition, fluctuations in exchange rates over time can cause differences in the estimates. This is particularly noticeable for our Pacific allies, where large shares of cost sharing are conducted in host currency, and where we have recently experienced large variations in exchange rates. Both categories, ODA and OA, cover identical types of assistance, with the only difference being the recipient nations.
Recipient nations move from one category of aid to the other depending on their development status.
In 1997, Moldova switched to became an ODA recipient and Israel, an OA recipient nation. Foreign assistance data in this Report cover the period 1990 through 1997. At this time, complete and reliable foreign assistance data is available only through 1997 due to complexities and delays in the OECD collection and reporting process, and data are still not complete for some countries for 1990, and 1995-1997. No data are available for Turkey or the United Arab Emirates in 1997, nor in any year for Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.