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Ralph Szymczak
Reference/Documents Librarian
Spring 2008
This guide lists a selection of statistical sources that are widely used, including World Wide Web sites. Many other sources can be located by consulting LOUIS, statistical indexes or one of the reference librarians.
For LOUIS use the subdivision "statistics" under specific subjects or geographic areas, e.g., Aged -- United States -- Statistics; Latin America -- Statistics.
You can also use "statistics" in an advanced subject keyword search combined with your own keyword(s) to find other compendia that we own (e.g., International Smoking Statistics; American Tally: Statistics and Comparative Rankings for U.S. Cities, etc.)
In most cases the latest editions of these sources are in the reference area, and the earlier editions, which provide an historical range of information, are either in the general collection or in government documents, usually by the same call number.
The first step in finding statistics is to consult the Statistical Abstract of the United States (print version: Reference Desk HA202) or one of the other compendiums. There are also statistical compilations on specific subject areas or with an international or foreign focus, census reports for obtaining information on smaller geographic areas, and indexes that provide comprehensive overviews of many of these resources. Many sources listed below as well as others are now available for searching electronically on the Internet.
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Good first source; provides a summary of social, political and economic statistics, primarily for the United States. The book provides references to additional sources for more detailed statistics. Brandeis University Libraries holdings from 1878-1902, and 1915 to the present. Latest volume kept at Reference Desk. Many years, from 1878 to present, are available online as .pdf files. Each page and table can be printed directly from the US Government website.
Reference Desk HA202
World Almanac and Book of Facts (Brandeis users only)
Includes statistical information on a wide variety of subjects. Holdings from 1922-present.
Latest volume kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk AY67 .N5 W7
FedStats: One Stop Shopping For Federal Statistics
A site maintained by the Federal Interagency Council on Statistical Policy that provides access to statistics produced by more than 70 federal agencies. Includes subject, keyword and agency access. Includes the latest edition of Statistical Abstract of the United States under "Fast Facts."
State and Metropolitan Area Data Book
This is a supplement to the Statistical Abstract of the United States, with social, economic and political statistics for metropolitan areas, central cities, states and regions. Holdings from 1979-present.
Latest edition kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk Docs. C3.134/5
StateMaster
Statistics on U.S. States.
County and City Data Book
This is a supplement to the Statistical Abstract of the United States. Demographic, social, political and economic statistics are given for counties, cities, states, regions and SMSAs. Holdings from 1949-present.
Latest edition kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk [+] HA202 .A36
Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970
Periodically-revised supplement to the Statistical Abstract of the United States , which provides data for the years after 1970. Economic, political, social, and demographic data are given for periods from 1610-1970. Includes source notes and various sections guiding the reader to original published sources for further reference and additional data.
Reference Desk HA202 .A385
Historical Statistics of the United States Online
Updated electronic version. Dates of coverage vary, but often from colonial times to the late 1990s.
Demographics of the U.S.: Trends and Projections
Updates many of the statistics found in Historical statistics of the United States, examining the trends of the past 50 years.
Reference Desk HB849.49 .R87 2000
| Census of Agriculture | Government Docs. C3.31/ |
| Census of Construction Industries | Government Docs. C3.245/ |
| Census of Housing | Government Docs. C3.224/ |
| Census of Manufactures | Government Docs. C3.24/ |
| Census of Mineral Industries | Government Docs. C3.216/ |
| Census of Population | Government Docs. C3.223/ |
| Census of Retail Trade | Government Docs. C3.255/ |
| Census of Service Industries | Government Docs. C3.257/ |
| Census of Transportation | Government Docs. C3.233/ |
| Census of Wholesale Trade | Government Docs. C3.256/ |
These census reports provide statistical data in great geographic detail. The Census of Population and Census of Housing are issued every 10 years. Those volumes covering the United States as a whole or Massachusetts are kept behind the Reference Desk. The volumes for other states are in Documents.
The other census reports, collectively referred to as the Economic Censuses , are updated every 5 years. Most census volumes have statistical table-finding guides at the beginning of each report, which list topics covered.
American FactFinder
A subsection of the Census Bureau Web site that provides statistics from Census 2000, 1990 Census, the 1997 Economic Census and other data sets.
Census Bureau
Provides access to the Census as well as other data produced by the Census Bureau.
United States Historical Census Data - 1790-1970
University of Virginia.
Historical Decennial Censuses (U.S. Census Bureau)
The Census Bureau is gradually making available image files only of early censuses beginning with 1790.
Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000
149-page report on the historical significance of the Census. Includes all the questionnaires and instructions. See also the printed publication 200 Years of U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1990
Reference Desk Docs C3.2: T93.
Facts on the Black/African American Population and Other Minorities
ERSys.com
Statistics on American cities.
Boston Redevelopment Authority
Click on "Research and Publications" to find statistics on Boston's neighborhoods, which are geographic units not available in the Census of Population.
Agricultural Statistics (1994-present)
Contains both current and historical data. Print holdings: 1936, 1942, 1951-present.
Print version: Docs. A1.47:
Budget of the United States Government (1996-present)
Further detail is provided in the annual Appendix to the budget, Historical Tables, Special Analyses, and Supplements. Print holdings from 1939-present.
Print version: Reference Desk Docs. PrEx2.8:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Up-to-date U.S. economic statistical information, including "Economy at a Glance" and "International Statistics."
Business Statistics of the United States
Data on a wide range of economic subjects including production, trade, general business indicators, prices and employment. Includes historical data. Preceded by the government's publication: Business Statistics (Docs. C59.11/3) with holdings 1953-1991. Latest edition kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk HC101 .A13122
Census Bureau’s page on Religion
North American Jewish Data Bank
Demographic surveys about North American Jewry.
GPO Access
This Government Printing Office site offers the full text of important statistical resources such as the Economic Report of the President, Budget of the United States Government and Economic Indicators.
Survey of Current Business (1994-present)
Updates Business Statistics. Print holdings from 1922-present. Print version: Docs. C59.11
CPI Detailed Reports - Consumer Price Index
Holdings from 1965-present.
Docs. L2.38/3:
Digest of Education Statistics (1990-present)
Print holdings from 1963-present.
Print version: Reference Desk Docs. ED1.113:
Economic Indicators (1995-present)*
Data concerning employment and wages, prices, money supply, interest rates, income and production.
Print holdings from 1966-present.
Print version: Docs. Y4.Ec7:Ec7/
*In GPO Access, scroll down to "Economic Indicators" title and complete search in box as indicated.
Economic Report of the President (1996-present)*
Docs. HE20.6210:
=General/Population=
Europa World Year Book
Includes statistical survey on each country. Holdings 1989-present. Previous title, Europa Year Book, includes holdings 1960-1988.
Latest edition kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk +JN1 .E852
More detailed economic and demographic statistical surveys are available in other Europa publications; see Foreign Regional & National listings, below.Europa World Online
Census Bureau's International Statistical Agencies
Focus is on foreign national government statistical agencies.
Nation Master
Hundreds of data sets for just about any country in the world. Includes national profiles and a search engine.
Population of capital cities and cities of 100,000 and more inhabitants.
OFFSTATS: Official Statistics on the Web
University of Auckland, New Zealand site that provides a central source for links to official international statistics. Global, regional and national statistics are available on many topics.
League of Nations site - Northwestern University
Includes digital versions of various League of Nations statistical documents, including the Statistical Yearbook of the League of Nations, 1926-1944, which serves as a precursor to the Statistical Yearbook of the United Nations (Main Reference [+] HA12.5 .U63), which began publication in 1948.
Sources of International Statistics on the Internet
University of Maryland site that includes non-government organizations as well.
Statistical Resources on the Web [by subject]
University of Michigan's subject list for federal, foreign and international sources.
Population Reference Bureau
Statistics on many topics for the U.S. and other countries.
International Data Base (IDB)
Data bank containing demographic and socio-economic data for 227 countries and areas of the world from the Census Bureau.
Statistical Yearbook (United Nations)
Includes a wide variety of statistics for countries throughout the world. Holdings from 1948-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HA12.5 .U63
Monthly Bulletin of Statistics
Updates the Statistical Yearbook (UN), above. Holdings from 1949-present.
Main Reference [+] HC57 .U66
Demographic Yearbook - United Nations
Population, vital and other statistics for many countries. A historical supplement to the 1979 volume presents data for the period 1948-1977. Holdings from 1948-present.
Main Reference [+] HA17 .D45
Statistical Yearbook - UNESCO
International statistics on education, science, culture and communications. Holdings from 1965-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HA40 .C8 U53a
World Rankings
Richest, most populous, largest, cleanest, etc.
World Health Statistics Annual - World Health Organization
Data on vital statistics, causes of death, infectious diseases, health personnel and hospital establishments for many countries. Holdings 1962-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] RA651 .A423
International Governmental Organizations
Northwestern University Library's comprehensive up-to-date listing.
=International Financial & Economic=
International Financial Statistics Yearbook - International Monetary Fund
Very good source for information on exchange rates, international liquidity, bank assets, interest rates, prices, production and imports and exports for many countries. Holdings from 1979-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference: [+] HG3881 .I627
International Financial Statistics
Monthly. Updates International Financial Statistics Yearbook. Holdings from 1985-present. Current year kept in Reference.
Main Reference: [+] HG3881 .I626
Main Economic Indicators - Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development
Provides a picture of the most recent changes in the economics of member countries. Holdings from 1966-present. Recent issues kept in the Periodicals Room.
Main Stacks: [+] HC10 .O68
OECD Economic Surveys
Separate annual surveys of economic developments in each of the OECD countries. Call numbers vary. Search LOUIS by title (in Basic Search) using "economic surveys" to find individual country surveys.
International Trade Statistics Yearbook
Detailed trade data for individual countries and world trade statistics for specific commodities. Holdings from 1983-present. Latest edition kept in Reference. Preceded by Yearbook of International Trade Statistics, holdings 1952-1982.
Main Reference [+] HF91 .U4732
Trade DataWeb - U.S. International Trade Commission
Easy to use imports/exports trade database with detailed data (down to the 10 digit level) from 1989-present. Use in conjunction with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule when necessary. You are instructed to set up a free account with your own username and password.
Industrial Commodity Statistics Yearbook - United Nations
Statistics for more than 500 industrial commodities and 200 countries. Holdings 1992-present. Latest edition kept in Reference. Preceded by Industrial Statistics Yearbook, holdings 1983-1991.
Main Reference [+] HD2328 .Y42
Yearbook of Labour Statistics - United Nations
Statistics from more than 180 countries. Holdings 1935-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HD4826 .I63
National Accounts Statistics: Main Aggregates and Detailed Tables
Analysis of national accounts, such as gross domestic product, expenditures, income and outlay, by individual country. Holdings 1982-present. Latest edition kept in Reference. Preceded by Yearbook of National Accounts Statistics (Main Stacks [+] HC79.I5 U532), with holdings 1963-1981.
Main Reference [+] HC79.I5 U532
FAO Production Yearbook
Includes crops, livestock, food supply, pesticides and prices. Holdings from 1987-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HD1421 .P7622
FAO Trade Yearbook
Trade in food and agricultural commodities. Holdings from 1962-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HD9000.4 .T72
=Foreign Regional & National=
=Africa=
Africa South of the Sahara (Europa Yearbook)
Holdings from 1971-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] DT351 .A37
Asia-Studies Full-text Online=Asia=
Far East and Australasia (Europa Yearbook)
Holdings from 1969-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference DS502 .F3
Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific
Data on economic, demographic, agricultural and social conditions in countries of the Near and Far Eastern regions. Holdings from 1974-present. Latest edition kept in Reference. Preceded by Statistical yearbook for Asia and the Far East. ([+] HA1665 .S733) Holdings 1968-1973.
Main Reference [+] HA1665 .S732
Statistical Yearbook of China
Holdings from 1984-present.
Main Reference HA4631 .S83
Japan Statistical Yearbook
Holdings from 1965-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference HA1832 .J36
=Europe=
Western Europe (Europa Yearbook)
Holdings from 1989-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+]JN94 .A1 W47
Annuaire Statistique de la France
Holdings from 1878-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HA1213 .A4
National Statistics
The official UK statistics site.
Annual Abstract of Statistics
A wide variety of statistics on the United Kingdom. Holdings from 1840-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HA1122 .A33
International Historical Statistics: Europe, 1750-1993
Main Reference HA1107 .M5 1998
=Latin America=
South America, Central America and the Caribbean (Europa Yearbook)
Holdings from 1986-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] F1414.2 .S68
Statistical Abstract of Latin America
Holdings from 1956-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference [+] HA931 .S8
=Middle East=
The Middle East and North Africa (Europa Yearbook)
Holdings from 1955-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference DS49 .M5
Statistical Abstract of Israel
Holdings from 1959-present.
Judaica HA1931 .A35
=Canada=
Canada Year Book
Holdings from 1951-present. Latest edition kept in Reference.
Main Reference HA37 .C1
LexisNexis Statistical (Brandeis users only)
Accesses statistics from international, federal, state and private sources with some links to full text.
Statistics Sources
"A subject guide to data on industrial, business, social, educational, financial, and other topics for the United States and internationally." Holdings 1962-present. Latest edition kept at Reference Desk.
Reference Desk [+] Z7551 .S84
Using Government Information Sources: Electronic and Print
Several chapters devoted to statistics topics. Discusses specific strategies for uncovering data.
Reference Desk Z1223 .Z7 S4 2001
Instat: International Statistics Sources: Subject Guide to Sources of International Comparative Statistics
Appendix A in volume 1 contains the list of publications by "instat codes" which are referred to throughout this source, giving full bibliographic details.
Reference Desk Z7551 .I42
Finding Statistics Online: How to Locate the Elusive Numbers You Need
Provides both strategies for finding statistics as well as a guide to finding statistics on various subjects.
Reference Desk HA32.B47 1998
CenStats (Brandeis users only)
This subscription service component of the Census Bureau site includes popular Census Bureau databases that were previously only available on CD-ROM such as USA Counties, ZIP Business Patterns, County Business Patterns, U.S. Imports, U.S. Exports as well as other sources.
EIU CountryData (Brandeis users only)
Economist Intelligence Unit database of data, economic indicators and forecasts on 117 countries worldwide across 278 series, 1980 to present.
LexisNexis Statistical (Brandeis users only)
Accesses statistics from international, federal, state and private sources with some links to full text.
STAT-USA (Brandeis users only)
Provides access to a wide variety of economic and trade statistics. Includes the latest edition of the National Trade Data Bank.
World Development Indicators (Brandeis users only)
Accesses statistical data worldwide, containing more than 575 times series, 1960 to 2001.
