The 1994 edition of this annual statistical compilation allows readers to monitor and evaluate social progress in the world. It includes the latest available estimates of fertility, mortality, illiteracy, access to health care, shares of GDP for selected social expenditures, and much more. This edition has been organized to highlight statistics on poverty. Priority Poverty Indicators (PPIs) are presented on the first page of each country table. Other indicators covering human resources, natural resources and expenditure and investment in human capital are presented on the second page of each country table. The PPIs are used for monitoring levels of poverty and related trends and, with the other indicators, provide a framework for assessing human welfare in low and middle-income countries. Country tables are shown for 190 economies, including the 15 economies of the former Soviet Union. For each country, comparative data with as many as 87 indicators are presented for three periods: 1970-75; 1980-85; and the most recent estimates available, generally between 1987 and 1992. For 16 economies for which only sparse data are available, basic indicators of development are provided. In addition to the individual country reviews, there is a table of selected indicators for quick cross-national and regional comparisons.