The publication contains statistical data characterizing social and economic situation of "Great Eigh" countries: the most developed countries of the world - Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Canada, USA, France, Japan and Russia.

It also contains main geographical data on countries, comparative information on the development of demographic process, employment rate and living standard, values, movements and structure of gross domestic product.

Indicators of main types of industrial and agricultural output are given in the publication as well as of transport development, the provision of population with communication and informatization facilities. Characteristics of financial systems, investments and external economic activity of the countries are also presented. The publication based on the data supplied by the international statistical organisations, NSO of selected countries and information of the Goskomstat of Russia.