This is a comprehensive handbook of statistical data on the economies of Eastern Europe (including Yugoslavia) and the Soviet Union in regard to production and distribution, foreign trade and indebtedness, domestic finance, energy, households, and standards of living. It is the only compendium in English of facts and figures widely scattered in the statistical yearbooks published in the respective European countries, supplemented by international organizations' compilations. The handbook can also be used as a tool for gaining access to the on-line database maintained by WIIW via Reuters.

The reference commences with comprehensive indicators of CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) countries' foreign trade--then presents data from official publications of the CMEA countries and Yugoslavia. Based on Western and United Nations' statistical sources, the handbook then details East-West trade, trade of the industrialized West, and trade of eight individual industrialized countries with the individual COMECON countries, all broken down by SITC commodity groups. The final part of the handbook is devoted to currency, balance of payments, and indebtedness. Much of the information presented here is not readily available, as many of the sources are published only in the languages of the COMECON countries. Combined with the data published by Western countries, this results in a well-rounded and up-to-date picture of current affairs. This guide will be an important reference for individuals in corporations and academia who are involved with international trade, particularly in the area of Eastern Europe.