Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2007

It's a bit hard to write a description of a book that's full of nothing but numbers. In fact, 840 pages of numbers in fine print. However, if you need those numbers, as I do, this book is essential. For those not familiar with the Stat Abstract, it has come out every year since 1878. As stated in the Preface, it "is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States." The major sections include Population, Vital Statistics, Finances and Employment of Federal, State and Local governemnts, Science & Technology, Agriculture, and Energy, as well as many others. Many of the data tables come from the Census Bureau and other government agencies. Many others come from private sources (trade associations, etc.) Most of the data tables provide references to sources with more detail, including other Census Bureau publications. How good are the numbers? They are the best available. As someone has remarked, government statistics start with whatever the constable felt like writing down. Despite this, there are no more accurate sources for the types of data contained here. There are other data compilations, such as The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2007 (World Almanac and Book of Facts). These other compilations often contain data not found in the Stat Abstract. However, none of the other compilations are as comprehensive. If you get only one book, this is the one you should choose.