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U.S. Statistical Reference Resources

Reference materials are shelved alphabetically by call number in the Reference Room. Ready Reference materials are held at the Reference Desk.

  • 2009 U.S. Industry & Market Outlook REF HC101 .U55 2009
    Describes over 100 major U.S. industries and 500+ minor industries. Features: 2009 establishments, employment and sales totals for each industry; 2010 forecast establishments, employment and sales totals; 5-year trend establishments and sales totals; Industry financial ratios such as sales per employees, sales per establishment and employees per establishment; 2008 establishments and sales totals for 500+ minor industries; Industry definitions and descriptions.
  • An Atlas of Poverty in America: One Nation, Pulling Apart, 1960-2003 REF HC110 .P6 G543 2006 + CD-ROM
    Provides an historical and contemporary account of economic opportunity in the U.S. The topics were selected based on many factors, most importantly the historical record of poverty in America and the lived experience of being poor in our nation today. A central theme is the enduring character of poverty in America, consistently affecting groups of individuals and places over time. A key message of this atlas is that America’s poor are people who work or who are dependents of people who work and face limited opportunity, often due to living in places that are seriously disadvantaged because of geography or history or both. The story is also one about public policy and the extent to which public intervention has been sufficient to ensure that all persons in this country have an equal chance to achieve their highest potential.
    >>Cover Image; Reviews
  • Business Statistics of the United States: Patterns of Economic Change REF HC101 .A13122 2008
    A basic desk reference for anyone requiring statistics on the U.S. economy. It contains about 3500 economic time series in all, portraying the period since WWII in comprehensive detail, and, in the case of about 150 key series, the period from 1929 through 1948. The data are predominantly from federal government sources. Of equal importance to the data are the extensive background notes for each chapter, which help users to understand the data, use them appropriately, and, if desired, seek additional information from the source agencies.
  • Community Sourcebook of County Demographics READY REF HA203 .S65 2007 19th ed.
    Contains the most accurate demographic information based on ESRI’s release of the 2007 updates and 2012 forecasts of key population and income data. Updated variables for population, households, families, income, race, age and spending potential for a wide variety of products and services are included. Includes: CBSA (Core Based Statistical Area); U.S. County Information; Profile Sections; Business Data; Summaries; Demographic Update Methodology; Explanation of Variables; and County Maps.
  • Community Sourcebook of ZIP Code Demographics READY REF HA203 .S66 2007 21st ed.
    Contains the most accurate demographic information based on ESRI’s release of the 2007 updates and 2012 forecasts of key population and income data. Updated variables for population, households, families, income, race, age and spending potential for a wide variety of products and services are included. Contains: Residential and Non-Residential ZIP Codes; Profile Sections; Summaries; Explanation of Variables; Business Data; ESRI’s Segmentation System, Community Tapestry; Demographic and ZIP Code Update Methodologies; ZIP Code Ranges; and ZIP Code Maps.
  • County & City Data Book: 2007 READY REF HA202 .A36 2007 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE
    Local area supplement to the Statistical Abstract of the United States. A convenient summary of statistics on the social and economic structure of the counties and cities of the U.S. It is designed to serve as a statistical reference and guide to other data publications and sources. Includes a selection of data from many statistical publications and electronic sources, both government and private.
  • County and City Extra: Annual Metro, City, and County Data Book READY REF HA203 .C68 2008
    Compiles information from many sources to provide key demographic and economic data for every U.S. state, county, metro area, and congressional district, as well as every city and town with a 2000 census population of 25,000 or more. Conveniently find data from 1980 to 2006 in easy-to-read tables about a variety of subjects, full-color U.S. maps on selected data topics, and information about geographic concepts and codes. In addition to the updated data, this edition includes 80 congressional district columns, with the newest columns including Agricultural Census data, as well as expanded household and poverty information.
  • Demographics of the U.S.: Trends and Projections REF HB849.49 .R875 2007
    A compilation of statistics that cannot be found in one single volume anywhere else, documenting the demographic and socioeconomic trends that have transformed the U.S. since 1950. A reference book for those who want perspective on the many changes in American life - a perspective critical for understanding what the 21st century will hold.
    >>Cover Image; Table of Contents; Reviews
  • State and Metropolitan Area Data Book: 2006 READY REF HA2002 .S84 2006 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE
    Complete source of comprehensive and useful information about the nation’s individual states and metropolitan areas. It includes: • Complete listing and data for all metropolitan areas, including micropolitan areas • The latest population estimates for all areas • New rankings that highlight the findings and trends • A new guide to state and key federal sources of information • New cost of living indicator table for states • Complete descriptions, source citations, and other important information about the data.
  • The State Economic Handbook 2009 REF HA203 .S723 2009
    Profiles the economy, demography, political environment, and business climates for each of the 50 states. Data are presented on a state-by-state basis. There is also a State Ranking section at the end of the book to present a clear look at how the states compare. Following the ranking section is a brief discussion on the data sources used in the book, as well as a glossary of terms that provides a clear understanding of what each variable presented means.
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States READY REF HA202 .A22 2008 2009 AVAILABLE ONLINE
    Previous years back to 1885 are in reference collection at HA202 .A22. The standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the U.S. It is designed to serve as a convenient volume for statistical reference and as a guide to other statistical publications and sources. Includes a selection of data from many statistical sources, both government and private.

International Statistical Reference Resources

Reference materials are shelved alphabetically by call number in the Reference Room. Ready Reference materials are held at the Reference Desk.

  • Atlas of Global Development: A Visual Guide to the World’s Greatest Challenges REF G1046 .G1 A85 2007
    A visual guide to global issues: easy-to-read graphical presentation with every topic being presented by clear world maps, tables, graphs and photographs. Country comparisons: understand key development indicators, including economic growth, life expectancy, infant mortality, safe water, population, poverty and energy use. Global challenges: a revealing view of the world we live in and the issues of AIDS, poverty, migration, pollution and growing populations. Authoritative statistics: from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators.
    >>Cover Image; Table of Contents; Reviews
    >>Read at Google Books
  • Demographic Yearbook (United Nations Statistics Division) REF HA17 .D45 2003
    1948-2007 EDITIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE (2007 edition released September 2009)
    Disseminates statistics on population size and composition, births, deaths, marriage and divorce on an annual basis. Special topics issues cover a wide range of additional topics including economic activity, educational attainment, household characteristics, housing, ethnicity and language, among others.
    >>Limited Preview at Google Books
  • Direction of Trade Statistics Yearbook (International Monetary Fund) REF HF91 .I65 2005
    Provides, for the most recent seven years, detailed trade data by country for approximately 186 countries, the world, and major areas: tables with current data (or estimates) on the value of imports from and exports to their most important trading partners. In addition, similar summary tables for the world, industrial countries, and developing countries are included.
  • Doing Business 2009: Comparing Regulation in 181 Economies REF K563 .B87 D65 v.2009
    ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE
    The sixth in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 181 economies - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - and over time. Regulations affecting 10 stages of the life of a business are measured: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and closing a business. The indicators are used to analyze economic outcomes and identify what reforms have worked, where and why.
  • The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008 (World Economic Forum) REF HF1414 .G559 2007-2008
    COMPETITIVENESS REPORTS ONLINE
    Provides users with a comprehensive dataset on a broad array of competitiveness indicators for a large number of industrialized and developing economies. This edition features a record 131 economies, accounting for more than 98% of the world’s GDP. The Report is divided into 3 parts. The first features the WEF’s competitiveness indexes: the Global Competitiveness Index and the Business Competitiveness Index. The second section presents detailed profiles for each of the 131 economies covered, highlighting competitive strengths and weaknesses. The third section includes data tables displaying relative rankings for more than 100 variables.
  • Human Development Report 2007/2008: Fighting Climate Change: Human Solidarity in a Divided World
    REF HD72 .H85 2007/2008 (United Nations Development Programme)
    HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORTS ONLINE
    As the Human Development Report 2007/2008 argues, climate change poses challenges at many levels. In a divided but ecologically interdependent world, it challenges all people to reflect upon how we manage the environment of the one thing that we share in common: planet Earth. It challenges us to reflect on social justice and human rights across countries and generations. It challenges political leaders and people in rich nations to acknowledge their historic responsibility for the problem, and to initiate deep and early cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Above all, it challenges the entire human community to undertake prompt and strong collective action based on shared values and a shared vision.
  • International Financial Statistics Yearbook (International Monetary Fund) REF HG61 .I57 2009
    Acknowledged as a standard source of statistics on all aspects of international and domestic finance, IFS publishes, for most countries of the world, current data on exchange rates, international liquidity, international banking, money and banking, interest rates, prices, production, international transactions (including balance of payments and international investment position), government finance, and national accounts. Information is presented in tables for specific countries and in tables for area and world aggregates.
  • International Trade Statistics Yearbook (Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, Released in 2008)
    REF HF91 .U473 2005 (2 volumes)
    Provides the basic information for individual countries’ external trade performances in terms of value, as well as in volume and price, the importance of trading partners and the significance of individual commodities imported and exported. This edition shows annual statistics up to the year 2005 for 173 countries or areas.
  • Statistical Yearbook (United Nations Statistics Division) REF HA12.5 .U63 2002/2004
    Organized into four parts: The first part, World and Region Summary, presents key world and regional aggregates and totals. Parts two, three, and four cover, respectively, population and social topics, national economic activity, and international economic relations.
  • World Development Indicators (World Bank) REF HC59.15 .W656 2008
    SELECTED INDICATORS FROM CURRENT YEAR AVAILABLE ONLINE.
    With its focus on the international development goals, WDI tries to capture the most important issues facing developing countries: the health, education, and welfare of people; sustainable use of natural resources and the reversal of environmental losses; economic growth and management of the economy; the complementary roles of governments and the private sector; and the continuing integration with the world economy. Includes more than 800 indicators for 153 economies. Provides definitions, sources, and other information about the data. Organizes the data into 6 thematic areas: World View: Living standards and development progress; People: Gender, health, and employment; Environment: Natural resources and environmental changes; Economy: New opportunities for growth; States & Markets: Elements of a good investment climate; Global Links: Evidence on globalization.
    >>Read at Google Books
  • World Development Report 2003: Sustainable Development in a Dynamic World (World Bank)
    REF HC59.7 .W659 2003
    WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORTS ONLINE
    The annual WDR is a guide to the economic, social and environmental state of the world today. Each year the WDR provides in-depth analysis of a specific aspect of development. Past reports have considered such topics as agriculture, youth, equity, public services delivery, the role of the state, transition economies, labor, infrastructure, health, the environment, and poverty. The reports are the Bank’s best-known contribution to thinking about development.
  • The World Economy: Global Trade Policy 2007 REF HF1411 .W647 2008x
    Leading economists provide a concise and accessible evaluation of major developments in trade and trade policy. Each annual volume examines key issues pertinent to the multinational trading system, as well as regional trade arrangements and policy developments at the national level. The 2007 issue analyses trade policy in areas such as Malaysia and Trinidad and Tobago as well as revealing the national security concerns that have become a dominant influence on U.S. trade policy since 2001. This year’s special focus examines the Doha Round where contributors evaluate the winners and losers from trade liberalism and investigate the cotton initiative of the World Trade Organization’s Doha Development Agenda.
    >>Cover Image; Inside Flap; Table of Contents; Publisher Description; Author Notes

International Statistical Resources on the Web

  • Index of Economic Freedom
    For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington’s preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought economist Adam Smith’s theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 183 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century.
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    An international organization of 185 member countries, established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment. IMF’s operations—which involve surveillance, financial assistance, and technical assistance—have developed to meet the changing needs of its member countries in an evolving world economy.

    • World Economic Outlook Reports
      Presents the IMF staff’s analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups, and in many individual countries. It focuses on major economic policy issues as well as on the analysis of economic developments and prospects. It is usually prepared twice a year and forms the main instrument of the IMF’s global surveillance activities.
    • World Economic Outlook Databases
      Contains selected macroeconomic data series from the statistical appendix of the WEO Report. Use this database to find data on national accounts, inflation, unemployment rates, balance of payments, fiscal indicators, trade for countries and country groups (aggregates), and commodity prices whose data are reported by the IMF. Data are available from 1980 to the present, and projections are given for the next two years.
    • Regional Economic Outlook Reports
      These reports discuss recent economic developments and prospects for countries in various regions. They also address economic policy developments that have affected economic performance in the regions and discuss key challenges faced by policymakers.
    • Global Financial Stability Reports
      Provides semiannual assessments of global financial markets and addresses emerging market financing in a global context. The report focuses on current conditions in global financial markets, highlighting issues of financial imbalances, and of a structural nature, that could pose a risk to financial market stability and sustained market access by emerging market borrowers.
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
    The OECD brings together the governments of countries committed to democracy and the market economy from around the world to: • Support sustainable economic growth • Boost employment • Raise living standards • Maintain financial stability • Assist other countries’ economic development • Contribute to growth in world trade. For more than 40 years, the OECD has been one of the world’s largest and most reliable sources of comparable statistics, and economic and social data. As well as collecting data, the OECD monitors trends, analyses and forecasts economic developments and researches social changes or evolving patterns in trade, environment, agriculture, technology, taxation and more.

    • OECD Country Statistical Profiles 2009
      This statistical profile, updated yearly, is a snapshot of data selected from more than 40 statistical databases available on SourceOECD.
    • OECD Factbook 2009: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics
      More than 100 indicators cover a wide range of areas: economy, agriculture, education, energy, environment, foreign aid, health and quality of life, industry, information and communications, population/labour force, trade and investment, taxation, public expenditure and R&D. This year, the OECD Factbook features a focus chapter on productivity. Data are provided for all OECD member countries with area totals, and in some cases, for selected non-member economies.
    • OECD in Figures 2008
      OECD in Figures is a primary statistical source. As with all OECD data, it is compiled and checked by experts, so that decision-makers in government, research and business know they can rely on it. The OECD in Figures is the public gateway to one of the richest and most repected economic, financial, social and environmental databases around.
    • OECD Economic Surveys, OECD Economic Outlook, and OECD Economic Studies are available in Business Source Complete: See MJF: Maag Journal Finder section on Economics: Business Databases page.
  • United Nations (UN)
    The United Nations is central to global efforts to solve problems that challenge humanity. Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organizations, known together as the UN system. The UN and its family of organizations work to promote respect for human rights, protect the environment, fight disease and reduce poverty. UN agencies define the standards for safe and efficient air travel and help improve telecommunications and enhance consumer protection. The United Nations leads the international campaigns against drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout the world, the UN and its agencies assist refugees, set up programs to clear landmines, help expand food production and lead the fight against AIDS.

    • Yearbook of the United Nations
      The Yearbook is the principal reference work of the United Nations and provides a detailed overview of the Organization’s activities. Each Yearbook is fully indexed and includes all major General Assembly, Security Council and Economic and Social Council resolutions. The complete collection is available here.
  • United Nations Development Policy and Analysis Division (DPAD)
    The main development research division of the UN secretariat. The Division’s research aims to contribute to a strengthening of international cooperation for the economic and social development of all countries and to foster their effective integration into the world economy in the context of the UN Development Agenda. The Division’s core functions include: monitoring and analysing global economic trends and prospects and formulating advice for global macroeconomic policy coordination; analysing long-term development trends and preparing policy advice on the international development agenda; serving as the Secretariat for the Committee for Development Policy.

    • World Economic Situation and Prospects
      A joint product of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the five United Nations regional commissions. It provides an overview of recent global economic performance and short-term prospects for the world economy and of some key global economic policy and development issues. One of its purposes is to serve as a point of reference for discussions on economic, social and related issues taking place in various United Nations entities during the year.
    • World Economic and Social Survey
      Provides objective analyses of pressing long-term social and economic development issues and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies.
    • Publications and Documentation
      Reports from previous years
  • United Nations Statistics Division
    The Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. They compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. They facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the UN Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system.

    • UNdata
      Internet-based data service for the global user community. It brings UN statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single entry point from which users can now search and download a variety of statistical resources of the UN System.
    • Advancing the Global Statistical System (PDF)
      UNSD’s major work areas and accomplishments.
    • Monthly Bulletin of Statistics Online
    • World Statistics Pocketbook
      The United Nations World Statistics Pocketbook 2008 is an authoritative and comprehensive compilation of 55 key statistical indicators in convenient country profile format. This edition presents available data for 216 countries and areas, from over 20 international statistical sources, generally for the years 2000, 2005 and 2007. The topics covered include: balance of payments, communication, education and culture, environment, health, industrial production, international trade, labour force, largest urban agglomeration, national accounts, population, refugees, surface area, United Nations membership, etc. The notes on the sources and definitions of the indicators are provided to help users perform further research on the statistics.
    • Economic Statistics
    • National Accounts Main Aggregates Database
      Contains a complete and consistent set of time series from 1970 onwards of main national accounts aggregates for all UN Members States and all other countries and areas in the world. It is maintained and updated on the basis of annual collections of the official annual national accounts statistics supplemented by estimates of national accounts statistics for those years and countries for which the official statistics has incomplete or inconsistent information. In addition, to the values of national accounts statistics, it contains analytical indicators and ratios derived from the main national accounts aggregates related to economic structure and development.
    • Demographic & Social Statistics
    • 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme
      The website of the 2010 World Population and Housing Census Programme facilitates the international exchange and sharing of knowledge and information on census taking, as well as provision of guidance to countries, and monitoring progress on the implementation of the Programme.
    • Census Knowledge Base
      A repository of documents relevant for the field of population and housing census taking.
    • Demographic Yearbook
      Disseminates statistics on population size and composition, births, deaths, marriage and divorce on an annual basis. Special topics issues cover a wide range of additional topics including economic activity, educational attainment, household characteristics, housing, ethnicity and language, among others.
    • Environment & Energy Statistics
    • Development of National Statistical Systems
    • Millenium Development Goals Indicators
      This site presents the official data, definitions, methodologies and sources for more than 60 indicators to measure progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. The data and analyses are the product of the work of the Inter-agency and Expert Group (IAEG) on MDG Indicators, coordinated by the United Nations Statistics Division. You will also find the official progress reports and documents produced by IAEG. Links to related sites and documents and constantly updated news will keep you up to date with the ongoing activities on MDG monitoring.
    • The Millenium Development Goals Report 2009 (PDF)
    • Geographical Information
  • The World Bank
    A vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. They are made up of two unique development institutions owned by 185 member countries—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Each institution plays a different but supportive role in the mission of global poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together they provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes.

    • Countries & Regions
    • Country At a Glance Tables
      Present two pages of key indicators tracing the trends in social and economic development from the last three decades. Aggregates for each country’s regional and income groups are also included. Charts such as the “development diamond” make it easy to see the relationships between indicators and group comparators.
    • Doing Business 2009
      The sixth in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 181 economies - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - and over time.
    • Global Economic Prospects
      GEPs explore the short-, medium, and long-term outlook for the global economy and the implications for developing countries and poverty reduction. Each year the Report focuses on the long-term analysis of issues that are central to development and poverty reduction, including trade, regionalism, migration and remittances, climate change, and technological innovation and their impact on developing countries.
    • Global Monitoring Report Series
      The Global Monitoring Report series, produced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, focuses on how the world is doing in implementing the policies and actions for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and related development outcomes. The reports are a framework for accountability in global development policy.
    • World Development Reports
      The annual WDR is a guide to the economic, social and environmental state of the world today. Each year the WDR provides in-depth analysis of a specific aspect of development. Past reports have considered such topics as agriculture, youth, equity, public services delivery, the role of the state, transition economies, labor, infrastructure, health, the environment, and poverty. The reports are the Bank’s best-known contribution to thinking about development.
    • World Development Indicators
      Links to front matter, introductions to each section, and back matter of print WDI are available.

      • Current print version is available in the Reference Room at call number REF HC59 .I5 W656.
      • Selected WDI Dataset
    • Key Development Data & Statistics
      The data presented here are the most widely-used, official-source development data from the World Bank and other international agencies.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO)
    The WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

    • International Trade and Tariff Data
      News; Statistics Database; International Trade Statistics; Comprehensive Tariff Data; Inter-agency activities.
    • International Trade Statistics
      International Trade Statistics is the WTO’s annual compilation of global trade statistics.
    • Trade Profiles
      This booklet is a quick source for national and trade statistics of WTO members and countries which are in the process of negotiating WTO membership.
    • World Tariff Profiles
      An annual compilation of bound and applied tariffs, prepared by the WTO, ITC and UNCTAD.
    • World Trade Report
      The main WTO research publication on global trade policy, with special topics, analysis, and new developments.
    • WTO Annual Report
      The WTO Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of WTO activities over the past year and includes information on the WTO’s budget and staffing.

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