Mysql, reshape data from long / tall to wide

Question

I have data in a mysql table in long / tall format (described below) and want to convert it to wide format. Can I do this using just sql?

Easiest to explain with an

Answer 1

Cross-tabs or pivot tables is the answer. From there you can SELECT FROM ... INSERT INTO ... or create a VIEW from the single SELECT.

Something like:

SELECT country, 
       MAX( IF( key='President', value, NULL ) ) AS President,
       MAX( IF( key='Currency', value, NULL ) ) AS Currency,
       ...

FROM table 
GROUP BY country;

For more info: http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/articles/wizard/index.html