Questions come across the reference desk on all topics: Questions come across the reference desk on all topics: How many hate crimes were there in 2012? How many college lacrosse teams are there? Do you have the GDP for the U.S. for the past 10 (or so) years? How many people use social networks online? All of these questions can be answered by theProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States. Published annually by the Federal Government since 1878, The Statistical Abstract of the United States is the best-known statistical reference publication in the country, and perhaps, the world. You'll find it behind nearly every reference desk in U.S. libraries as the authoritative go-to source. Librarians value the Statistical Abstract as both an answer book and a guide to statistical sources. As a carefully selected collection of statistics on the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States, it is a snapshot of America and its people. The Statistical Abstract print edition resembles the Census version that users know and love, plus more with: 1.Thousands of tables from hundreds of sources and valuable, detailed bibliographic documentation 2.Updated introductory sections and back-of-the-book index 3.8 1/2 x 11 hardcover format to withstand heavy use 4.25% larger type for easier reading Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information.