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.

This volume includes a selection of data from many statistical publications, both government and private. Publications cited as sources usually contain additional statistical detail and more comprehensive discussions of definitions and concepts than can be presented here. Data not available in publications issued by the contributing agency but obtained from unpublished records are identified in the source notes as unpublished data. More information on the subjects covered in the tables so noted may generally be obtained from the source.

Except as indicated, figures are for the United States as presently constituted. Although emphasis in the Statistical Abstract is primarily given to national data, many tables present data for regions and individual states and a smaller number for metropolitan areas and cities. Appendix II, Metropolitan Area Concepts and Components, presents explanatory text, a complete current listing and population data for metropolitan and micropolitan areas defined as of December 2003. Statistics for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and for island areas of the United States are included in many state tables and are supplemented by information in Section 29. Additional information for states, cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and other small units, as well as more historical data are available in various supplements to the Abstract (see inside back cover).

Statistics in this edition are generally for the most recent year or period available by summer 2004. Each year over 1,400 tables and charts are reviewed and evaluated; new tables and charts of current interest are added, continuing series are updated, and less timely data are condensed or eliminated. Text notes and appendices are revised as appropriate. USA Statistics in Brief, a pocket-size pamphlet highlighting many statistical series in the Abstract is available. Copies can be obtained free from U.S. Census Bureau, Customer Services, Call Center, Washington, DC 20233 (telephone 301-763-INFO (4636)). We attempt to update the pamphlet several times during the year. The latest data can be found on our Web site: <http://www.census.gov/statab

/www/brief.html>.

Changes in this edition-Long-time users of the Statistical Abstract will notice that this edition covers two years in the title, 2004-2005. We instituted this change so that the year in which most of the sales occur will be reflected in the title. This will conform with common practice for many private almanacs and yearbooks. The next edition of the Statistical Abstract will show only one year, 2006.

We have introduced 68 new tables in this edition. These cover a variety of topics including the social and economic characteristics of the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population, statistics for the largest public school districts, computer and internet use by children and adolescents, the percentage of students who reported carrying a weapon, private sector job gains and losses, asset ownership rates for households, science and engineering degree recipients and transit ridership in the 50 largest urbanized areas. In addition, a number of new tables have been added that contain data from the 2002 Economic Census. For a complete list of new tables, see Appendix VI, p. 947.