bohm: It is true correlation does not imply causation but it's usually indicative of it.
Correlation allows someone to examine all things that could create that correlation.
For example, in the above analysis of the rape statistics in Sweden, many factors could contribute to the increase in rape statistics.
1. Sweden reports rape data and other countries don't
2. Sweden has broadened the definition of what constitues rape
3. Sweden police have improved their policing methods which accounts in an increase in reporting