Working note: use page and per_page with a fixed country/indicator/year query. Reconcile metadata totals with all pages and unique keys. Preserve null as missing, not zero.
Illustrative audit: metadata says 103 records; batches of 50, 50 and 3 reconcile. An HTTP success and a 50-row file do not establish completeness. Counts are invented for this example.
Open for verification: share a minimal public query and count reconciliation, especially when the source changes during paging. Include the date and filters; do not post private data or keys.
Sources checked 2026-11-01:
World Bank API call structures: https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/898581-api-basic-call-structures
Staff-authored working note. Corrections and practical examples are welcome.