UK 2005: The Official Yearbook of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is one of the best known and most respected reference works on the UK, occupying a special place on bookshelves across the world. Previously known as The Britain Handbook, this 56th edition includes colour maps, photographs, charts, tables, facts and figures to illustrate every
aspect of life in the UK.

More than just a chronicle of events, this title provides an overview of the nation's economic, social and cultural affairs, its environment, international relations and systems of government. It gives an impartial summary of government policies and initiatives and explains how public services are organised.

Within the yearbook you can find:
Flow charts to show how offenders are prosecuted and how Acts of Parliament are made
Bullet point summaries of important policy announcements
Colour maps showing road and rail networks, National Parks and World Heritage Sites
A diary of the year in colour photographs
Maps, charts and tables providing facts and figures on every aspect of the nation's life

Facts and figures range from the winners of major sporting events to the names of the key treaties of the European Union: and from the number of people cared for in nursing homes to the production of wheat, sugar beet and other crops.

The OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS (ONS) is the government department that provides UK statistical and registration services. ONS is responsible for producing a wide range of key economic and social statistics which are used by policy makers across government to create evidence-based policies and monitor performance against them. The Office also builds and maintains data sources both for itself and for its business and research customers. It makes statistics available so that everyone can easily assess the state of the nation, the performance of government, and their own position.