This publication presents time series comparative statistics and indicators on core areas of economic and social development in ESCWA member countries for 2009. This issue of the Statistical Abstract provides statistics on the following themes: population and labour force, education and illiteracy, health, gender equality, national accounts, energy, industry, transport, foreign trade, financial statistics and prices, and information and communications technology. Facts and figures in the Statistical Abstract were drawn from national statistical sources in the ESCWA region, countries' feedback from questionnaires prepared by ESCWA and data issued by international organizations, giving priority to the United Nations sources.