The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is designed to serve as a convenient volume for statistical reference and as a guide to other statistical publications and sources. The latter function is served by the introductory text to each section, the source note appearing below each table, and Appendix I, which comprises the Guide to Sources of Statistics, the Guide to State Statistical Abstracts, and the Guide to Foreign Statistical Abstracts.

"The Statistical Abstract of the United States," published from 1878 to 2012, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is designed to serve as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to other statistical publications and sources both in print and on the Web. These sources of data include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other Federal agencies and private organizations. The U.S. Census Bureau terminated the collection of data for the Statistical Compendia program effective October 1, 2011. The Statistical Compendia program is comprised of the Statistical Abstract of the United States and its supplemental products--the State and Metropolitan Area Data Book and the County and City Data Book. To access the most current data, please refer to the organizations cited in the source notes for each table of the Statistical Abstract. This document is comprised of 30 Sections, five appendices, and an Index. [Recent, earlier publications in this series include: (1) "Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010", and "Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2011."].

The 129th edition of the Statistical Abstract continues a proud tradition of presenting a comprehensive and useful portrait of the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. The 2010 edition provides: More than 1,300 tables and graphs that cover a variety of topics such as religious composition of the U.S. population, the amount of debt held by families, parent participation in school-related activities, federal aid to state and local governments, types of work flexibility provided to employees, energy consumption, public drinking water systems, and suicide rates by sex and country. Expanded guide to other sources of statistical information both in print and on the Web. Listing of metropolitan and micropolitan areas and their population. Book jacket.

Statistical Abstract presents data on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States, including detailed tables on population; health; education; geography and environment; elections; federal government; finances and employment; national defense and veterans affairs; income; communications; law; energy; science; business; transportation; agriculture; construction and housing; and comparative international statistics. Along with appendices and maps, special features include: guides to tabular presentation; sources of statistics; state statistical abstracts; foreign statistical abstracts; an industrial outlook; telephone numbers; metropolitan area concepts and components; and a subject index.