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Global Google Search Results Without a Country-Specific Proxy - Query String Parameters

· 24 min read
Oleg Kulyk

Global Google Search Results Without a Country-Specific Proxy - Query String Parameters

In today's interconnected world, accessing information tailored to specific geographic locations and languages is essential for professionals across various fields. The typical approach of using country-specific proxies to achieve localized Google search results is complex and often introduces unnecessary complications. Fortunately, a simpler method exists, leveraging Google's query string parameters. This approach eliminates the need for proxies, offering a direct and efficient way to directly refine search results by country and language through Google's interface. This article will guide you through mastering these query string parameters, opening up a world of information without the hassle of managing proxy settings.

Understanding Google Search Query String Parameters

Google's search engine is renowned for its powerful and flexible search capabilities, mainly due to its use of query string parameters. These parameters are part of the URL sent to Google's servers when you search. They instruct the search engine on filtering, sorting, and displaying the results. By mastering these parameters, you can significantly enhance the precision of your searches, making it easier to find the exact information you need. This section explores the basics of Google search query string parameters, focusing on how they can be used to customize search results without requiring a proxy.

What Are Query String Parameters?

A query string is a part of a URL that assigns values to specified parameters. In the context of a Google search, these parameters can include search keywords, filters for language, country, and much more. The query string starts after the question mark (?) in a URL, with each parameter separated by an ampersand (&).

Common Google Search Query String Parameters

Google search query string parameters are versatile and can be combined to create highly specific search queries. Here are some of the most commonly used parameters:

  • q: The search query itself.
  • num: The number of search results to display per page. For example, setting 'num=10' will display 10 search results per page.
  • start: The index of the first search result to display. For example, setting 'start=11' will display results starting from the 11th result.
  • site: The domain to search within. For example, 'site:wikipedia.org' will search only within Wikipedia.
  • hl: The language in which the search results are displayed.
  • gl: The country to which the search results are localized.
  • lr: The language restriction for the search results.
  • cr: The country restriction for the search results.
  • as_qdr: The time range for the search results.
  • as_occt: The occurrence of the search terms in the results.
  • as_filetype: The file type of the search results.
  • as_sitesearch: The domain to search within.
  • as_epq: The exact phrase to search for.

And many more. By combining these parameters, you can fine-tune your Google searches to meet your specific requirements.

You can find a comprehensive list of Google search query string parameters in the Google Search URL Parameters guide.

Customizing Google Search Results by Country and Language without Proxy

By manipulating the gl and hl parameters, you can tailor your search results to a specific country and language, bypassing the need for a country-specific proxy. This method is particularly useful for global market research, academic purposes, or any scenario where localized information is crucial.

Using the gl Parameter for Country-Specific Searches

The gl parameter allows users to specify the country where the search results are more relevant. By setting this parameter, Google prioritizes websites and content that are more popular or relevant in the specified country. This is particularly useful for market research, SEO strategies targeting specific geographic locations, and when scraping web data for regional insights.

Example: To conduct a search for "best coffee shops" with results tailored for Australia, you would use the following query in your web browser or scraping tool:

https://www.google.com/search?q=best+coffee+shops&gl=au

Supported Country Codes for the gl Parameter

glCountryExample
afAfghanistanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=af
alAlbaniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=al
dzAlgeriahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=dz
asAmerican Samoahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=as
adAndorrahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ad
aoAngolahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ao
aiAnguillahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ai
aqAntarcticahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=aq
agAntigua and Barbudahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ag
arArgentinahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ar
amArmeniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=am
awArubahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=aw
auAustraliahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=au
atAustriahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=at
azAzerbaijanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=az
bsBahamashttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bs
bdBangladeshhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bd
bbBarbadoshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bb
byBelarushttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=by
beBelgiumhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=be
bzBelizehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bz
bjBeninhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bj
bmBermudahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bm
btBhutanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bt
boBoliviahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bo
baBosnia and Herzegovinahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ba
bwBotswanahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bw
bvBouvet Islandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bv
brBrazilhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=br
ioBritish Indian Ocean Territoryhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=io
bnBrunei Darussalamhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bn
bgBulgariahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bg
bfBurkina Fasohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bf
biBurundihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=bi
khCambodiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kh
cmCameroonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cm
caCanadahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ca
cvCape Verdehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cv
kyCayman Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ky
cfCentral African Republichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cf
tdChadhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=td
clChilehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cl
cnChinahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cn
cxChristmas Islandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cx
ccCocos (Keeling) Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cc
coColombiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=co
kmComoroshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=km
cgCongohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cg
cdCongo, The Democratic Republic of thehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cd
ckCook Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ck
crCosta Ricahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cr
ciCote D'Ivoirehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ci
hrCroatiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=hr
cuCubahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cu
cyCyprushttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cy
czCzech Republichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cz
dkDenmarkhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=dk
djDjiboutihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=dj
dmDominicahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=dm
doDominican Republichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=do
ecEcuadorhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ec
egEgypthttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=eg
svEl Salvadorhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sv
gqEquatorial Guineahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gq
erEritreahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=er
eeEstoniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ee
etEthiopiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=et
fkFalkland Islands (Malvinas)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fk
foFaroe Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fo
fjFijihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fj
fiFinlandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fi
frFrancehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fr
gfFrench Guianahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gf
pfFrench Polynesiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pf
tfFrench Southern Territorieshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tf
gaGabonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ga
gmGambiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gm
geGeorgiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ge
deGermanyhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=de
ghGhanahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gh
giGibraltarhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gi
grGreecehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gr
glGreenlandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gl
gdGrenadahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gd
gpGuadeloupehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gp
guGuamhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gu
gtGuatemalahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gt
gnGuineahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gn
gwGuinea-Bissauhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gw
gyGuyanahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gy
htHaitihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ht
hmHeard Island and Mcdonald Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=hm
vaHoly See (Vatican City State)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=va
hnHondurashttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=hn
hkHong Konghttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=hk
huHungaryhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=hu
isIcelandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=is
inIndiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=in
idIndonesiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=id
irIran, Islamic Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ir
iqIraqhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=iq
ieIrelandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ie
ilIsraelhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=il
itItalyhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=it
jmJamaicahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=jm
jpJapanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=jp
joJordanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=jo
kzKazakhstanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kz
keKenyahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ke
kiKiribatihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ki
kpKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kp
krKorea, Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kr
kwKuwaithttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kw
kgKyrgyzstanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kg
laLao People's Democratic Republichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=la
lvLatviahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lv
lbLebanonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lb
lsLesothohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ls
lrLiberiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lr
lyLibyan Arab Jamahiriyahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ly
liLiechtensteinhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=li
ltLithuaniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lt
luLuxembourghttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lu
moMacaohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mo
mkMacedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mk
mgMadagascarhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mg
mwMalawihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mw
myMalaysiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=my
mvMaldiveshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mv
mlMalihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ml
mtMaltahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mt
mhMarshall Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mh
mqMartiniquehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mq
mrMauritaniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mr
muMauritiushttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mu
ytMayottehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=yt
mxMexicohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mx
fmMicronesia, Federated States ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=fm
mdMoldova, Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=md
mcMonacohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mc
mnMongoliahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mn
msMontserrathttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ms
maMoroccohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ma
mzMozambiquehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mz
mmMyanmarhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mm
naNamibiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=na
nrNauruhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nr
npNepalhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=np
nlNetherlandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nl
anNetherlands Antilleshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=an
ncNew Caledoniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nc
nzNew Zealandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nz
niNicaraguahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ni
neNigerhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ne
ngNigeriahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ng
nuNiuehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nu
nfNorfolk Islandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=nf
mpNorthern Mariana Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=mp
noNorwayhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=no
omOmanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=om
pkPakistanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pk
pwPalauhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pw
psPalestinian Territory, Occupiedhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ps
paPanamahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pa
pgPapua New Guineahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pg
pyParaguayhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=py
pePeruhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pe
phPhilippineshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ph
pnPitcairnhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pn
plPolandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pl
ptPortugalhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pt
prPuerto Ricohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pr
qaQatarhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=qa
reReunionhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=re
roRomaniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ro
ruRussian Federationhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ru
rwRwandahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=rw
shSaint Helenahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sh
knSaint Kitts and Nevishttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=kn
lcSaint Luciahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lc
pmSaint Pierre and Miquelonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=pm
vcSaint Vincent and the Grenadineshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=vc
wsSamoahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ws
smSan Marinohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sm
stSao Tome and Principehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=st
saSaudi Arabiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sa
snSenegalhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sn
csSerbia and Montenegrohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=cs
scSeychelleshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sc
slSierra Leonehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sl
sgSingaporehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sg
skSlovakiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sk
siSloveniahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=si
sbSolomon Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sb
soSomaliahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=so
zaSouth Africahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=za
gsSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gs
esSpainhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=es
lkSri Lankahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=lk
sdSudanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sd
srSurinamehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sr
sjSvalbard and Jan Mayenhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sj
szSwazilandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sz
seSwedenhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=se
chSwitzerlandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ch
sySyrian Arab Republichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=sy
twTaiwan, Province of Chinahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tw
tjTajikistanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tj
tzTanzania, United Republic ofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tz
thThailandhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=th
tlTimor-Lestehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tl
tgTogohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tg
tkTokelauhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tk
toTongahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=to
ttTrinidad and Tobagohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tt
tnTunisiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tn
trTurkeyhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tr
tmTurkmenistanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tm
tcTurks and Caicos Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tc
tvTuvaluhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=tv
ugUgandahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ug
uaUkrainehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ua
aeUnited Arab Emirateshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ae
gbUnited Kingdomhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=gb
usUnited Stateshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=us
umUnited States Minor Outlying Islandshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=um
uyUruguayhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=uy
uzUzbekistanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=uz
vuVanuatuhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=vu
veVenezuelahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ve
vnVietnamhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=vn
vgVirgin Islands, Britishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=vg
viVirgin Islands, U.S.https://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=vi
wfWallis and Futunahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=wf
ehWestern Saharahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=eh
yeYemenhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=ye
zmZambiahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=zm
zwZimbabwehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&gl=zw

Using the hl Parameter for Language-Specific Searches

The hl parameter sets the language of the search results. This doesn't filter the content by language but rather adjusts the Google interface and sometimes the prioritization of content in that language. It's invaluable for linguistic research, content strategy planning for multilingual audiences, and when you need to scrape data in a specific language.

Example: To search for "historical landmarks" and get the search results in Spanish, the query would be formatted as follows:

https://www.google.com/search?q=historical+landmarks&hl=es

Supported Language Codes for the hl Parameter

hlLanguageExample
afAfrikaanshttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=af
akAkanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ak
sqAlbanianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sq
wsSamoanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ws
amAmharichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=am
arArabichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ar
hyArmenianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=hy
azAzerbaijanihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=az
euBasquehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=eu
beBelarusianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=be
bemBembahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bem
bnBengalihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bn
bhBiharihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bh
xx-borkBork, bork, bork!https://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xx-bork
bsBosnianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bs
brBretonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=br
bgBulgarianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bg
btBhutanesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=bt
kmCambodianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=km
caCatalanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ca
chrCherokeehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=chr
nyChichewahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ny
zh-CNChinese (Simplified)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=zh-CN
zh-TWChinese (Traditional)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=zh-TW
coCorsicanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=co
hrCroatianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=hr
csCzechhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=cs
daDanishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=da
nlDutchhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=nl
xx-elmerElmer Fuddhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xx-elmer
enEnglishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=en
eoEsperantohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=eo
etEstonianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=et
eeEwehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ee
foFaroesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=fo
tlFilipinohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tl
fiFinnishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=fi
frFrenchhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=fr
fyFrisianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=fy
gaaGahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=gaa
glGalicianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=gl
kaGeorgianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ka
deGermanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=de
elGreekhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=el
klGreenlandichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=kl
gnGuaranihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=gn
guGujaratihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=gu
xx-hackerHackerhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xx-hacker
htHaitian Creolehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ht
haHausahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ha
hawHawaiianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=haw
iwHebrewhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=iw
hiHindihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=hi
huHungarianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=hu
isIcelandichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=is
igIgbohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ig
idIndonesianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=id
iaInterlinguahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ia
gaIrishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ga
itItalianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=it
jaJapanesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ja
jwJavanesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=jw
knKannadahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=kn
kkKazakhhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=kk
rwKinyarwandahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=rw
rnKirundihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=rn
xx-klingonKlingonhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xx-klingon
kgKongohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=kg
koKoreanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ko
kriKriohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=kri
kuKurdishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ku
ckKyrgyzhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ck
loLaothianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=lo
laLatinhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=la
lvLatvianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=lv
lnLingalahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ln
ltLithuanianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=lt
lozLozihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=loz
lgLugandahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=lg
achLuohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ach
mkMacedonianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mk
mgMalagasyhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mg
msMalayhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ms
mlMalayalamhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ml
mtMaltesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mt
mvMaldivianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mv
miMaorihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mi
mrMarathihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mr
mhMarshallesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mh
moMoldavianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mo
mnMongolianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=mn
sr-MEMontenegrinhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sr-ME
neNepalihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ne
pcmNigerian Pidginhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=pcm
nsoNorthern Sothohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=nso
noNorwegianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=no
nnNorwegian Nynorskhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=nn
ocOccitanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=oc
orOriyahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=or
omOromohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=om
psPashtohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ps
faPersianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=fa
xx-piratePiratehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xx-pirate
plPolishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=pl
pt-BRPortuguese (Brazil)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=pt-BR
pt-PTPortuguese (Portugal)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=pt-PT
paPunjabihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=pa
quQuechuahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=qu
roRomanianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ro
rmRomanshhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=rm
nynRunyakitarahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=nyn
ruRussianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ru
gdScots Gaelichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=gd
srSerbianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sr
shSerbo-Croatianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sh
stSesothohttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=st
tnSetswanahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tn
crsSeychellois Creolehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=crs
snShonahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sn
sdSindhihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sd
siSinhalesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=si
skSlovakhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sk
slSlovenianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sl
soSomalihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=so
esSpanishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=es
suSundanesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=su
swSwahilihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sw
svSwedishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=sv
tgTajikhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tg
taTamilhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ta
ttTatarhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tt
teTeluguhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=te
thThaihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=th
tiTigrinyahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ti
toTongahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=to
luaTshilubahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=lua
tumTumbukahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tum
trTurkishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tr
tkTurkmenhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tk
twTwihttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=tw
ugUighurhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ug
ukUkrainianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=uk
urUrduhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=ur
uzUzbekhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=uz
viVietnamesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=vi
cyWelshhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=cy
woWolofhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=wo
xhXhosahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=xh
yiYiddishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=yi
yoYorubahttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=yo
zuZuluhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&hl=zu

Importance of usage hl and lr parameters

Since hl parameter (host language) is only indirectly affects the search results, it is recommended to use lr parameter (language restrict) to get the most accurate results.

You can use the lr request parameter to restrict search results to documents that are written in a particular language or set of languages.

Example: To search for "historical landmarks" and get the search results in Spanish, the query would be formatted as follows:

https://www.google.com/search?q=historical+landmarks&lr=lang_es&hl=es

Supported Language Codes for the lr Parameter

lrLanguageExample
lang_arArabichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ar
lang_bgBulgarianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_bg
lang_caCatalanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ca
lang_zh-CNChinese (Simplified)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_zh-CN
lang_zh-TWChinese (Traditional)https://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_zh-TW
lang_hrCroatianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_hr
lang_csCzechhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_cs
lang_daDanishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_da
lang_nlDutchhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_nl
lang_enEnglishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_en
lang_etEstonianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_et
lang_fiFinnishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_fi
lang_frFrenchhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_fr
lang_deGermanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_de
lang_elGreekhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_el
lang_iwHebrewhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_iw
lang_huHungarianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_hu
lang_isIcelandichttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_is
lang_idIndonesianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_id
lang_itItalianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_it
lang_jaJapanesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ja
lang_koKoreanhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ko
lang_lvLatvianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_lv
lang_ltLithuanianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_lt
lang_noNorwegianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_no
lang_plPolishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_pl
lang_ptPortuguesehttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_pt
lang_roRomanianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ro
lang_ruRussianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_ru
lang_srSerbianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_sr
lang_skSlovakhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_sk
lang_slSlovenianhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_sl
lang_esSpanishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_es
lang_svSwedishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_sv
lang_trTurkishhttps://www.google.com/search?q=data&lr=lang_tr

Combining gl, hl and rl Parameters for Refined Searches

For the most refined search experience, combining both gl, hl and rl parameters can pinpoint information that is not only relevant to a specific geographical location but also presented in a desired language. This dual approach enhances the precision of web scraping tasks, market research, and global SEO campaigns.

Example: If you're looking for articles on renewable energy trends in Japan and prefer the results in Japanese, your search URL might look like this:

https://www.google.com/search?q=renewable+energy+trends&gl=jp&hl=ja&lr=lang_ja

The true power of using Google search query string parameters lies in the precision they offer. Unlike proxies, which can be unreliable and offer a broad approximation of localization, query string parameters communicate directly with Google's algorithms to refine your search. This ensures that the results are not only localized but also relevant and up-to-date.

Tips and Best Practices for Using Google Search URL Parameters

When leveraging Google search URL parameters for web scraping, it’s crucial to navigate the process efficiently and ethically. These tips and best practices will help you optimize your web scraping activities, ensuring you gather the data you need without running afoul of Google's guidelines or negatively impacting server resources.

  1. Use Google API When Possible: For projects that require substantial data from Google, consider using the Google Custom Search JSON API. This API is designed to provide a way to programmatically access Google's search results, offering a more reliable and policy-compliant method to retrieve data.

  2. Throttle Your Requests: Sending too many requests in a short period can lead to your IP address being temporarily blocked or banned by Google. To avoid this, implement a delay between requests. This not only prevents overloading Google’s servers but also mimics human browsing behavior, reducing the chance of detection.

  3. Rotate User Agents: Google can identify unusual patterns, including multiple requests from the same user agent. Rotating user agents with each request can help mask your scraping activities. However, maintain a realistic rotation and include a mix of desktop and mobile user agents to mimic typical user behavior.

  4. Implement Error Handling: Web scraping involves numerous potential points of failure, from network issues to unexpected changes in the target webpage's structure. Implement robust error handling to manage these issues gracefully, including retries for failed requests and alerts for persistent problems.

  5. Be Prepared for CAPTCHAs: Google may present CAPTCHAs if it detects unusual activity from your IP address. While some tools claim to bypass CAPTCHAs, the ethical approach is to reduce your scraping rate or temporarily pause your activities if CAPTCHAs persist.

  6. Store Only What You Need: To respect privacy and minimize storage requirements, only collect and store the data essential for your project. Before scraping, clearly define what information is necessary and adjust your scraping scripts accordingly.

  7. Monitor and Adapt to Changes: Google's search results page (SERP) layout and URL parameters can change over time. Regularly monitor your scraping results for anomalies that may indicate a change in the SERP layout or functionality, and be prepared to update your scraping scripts as needed.

  8. Stay Informed on Legal and Ethical Guidelines: Web scraping sits in a complex legal landscape that can vary by country and specific use case. Stay informed on the latest developments in web scraping laws and best practices to ensure your activities remain within legal and ethical boundaries.

By following these tips and best practices, you can utilize Google search URL parameters for web scraping effectively and responsibly, ensuring access to valuable data while maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leveraging Google search URL parameters for web scraping offers a potent tool for data enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals seeking tailored information from across the globe. This method not only bypasses the need for complex proxy setups but also provides a direct and efficient way to refine search results according to specific geographical locations and languages. However, the power of this approach comes with the responsibility to employ it ethically and sustainably.

By embracing these principles, you can harness the full potential of Google search URL parameters to access and analyze the wealth of information available online. Whether you're conducting market research, developing SEO strategies, or gathering data for academic purposes, the thoughtful application of these techniques will open up new vistas of insight, all while maintaining the integrity of your digital exploration efforts.

ScrapingAnt is a web scraping API that handles headless browsers and rotates proxies for you. It's a great tool for scraping Google search results at scale without worrying about IP blocks or CAPTCHAs. You can use ScrapingAnt to scrape Google search results with ease and focus on extracting the data you need.

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