Analyzing the Gross National Product (GNP) and other national economic statistics is one way to look at the financial well being of a country. Another more revealing and more interesting way is to analyze the variety and amount of goods and services consumed by citizens, businesses, and the various levels of government. The "Handbook" presents a systematic and statistical portrait of consumption and wealth, allowing readers to better understand America's economic, political, and cultural landscape. This handbook focuses on the latest statistical information available on U.S. spending habits by exploring a wide range of economic, demographic, and geographic variables.

Although poverty is one of the most serious issues facing the world's population, finding statistical information on this subject has, in the past, required a significant amount of time and effort. Now, this volume provides researchers with a single, comprehensive resource that includes detailed information regarding the worldwide and regional impact of poverty in the developing world and on individual countries from authoritative sources including the World Bank and the UN Human Development Report. The "Handbook" includes statistics on economic indicators, demographic patterns, income distribution, and other factors that impact poverty in the world today. Two special sections focus on women and children and on poverty in selected cities worldwide.