Foreword

This compendium is the fourth edition of a document aimed at providing a set of indicators pertaining to the food and agricultural sector for the various countries in the world as a handy reference for analysts working on food and agricultural issues.

The indicators, which are presented in the form country tables, refer to three historical periods, i.e. 1979-1981, 1989-1991 and 1999-2001, and the latest three years for which data are available i.e. 2002, 2003 and 2004. In this connection it should be noted that for the countries forming the independent republics of the former USSR and former Yugoslavia data are available only since 1992; while the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Eritrea and Ethiopia data are available only since 1993. Therefore for all these countries the indicators are given for the latest period and for the latest three years only.

Prior to presenting the tables, sections referring to a) symbols or abbreviations used  b) sources of data c) concepts and definitions d) technical notes and e) country notes are included.