Let me inform you about novelties and changes in the contents of the Statistical Yearbook of the Czech Republic 2005 published by the Czech Statistical Office as the thirteenth volume of this edition over the existence of the independent Czech Republic. I am well aware that a user friendly approach should include as few changes as possible, so that you can find “your” data in the same places, in the same tables. I can assure you that the editorial board tries to maintain the maximum stability of this key publication.

On the other hand, we should bear on mind that statistics need to be able to adapt themselves to the best ways of measuring reality and its changing environment. The accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union in May 2004 changed a number of conditions relating to business, employment, travel, etc. At the same time, we became part of a large group of European countries that voluntarily observe certain rules, with which we have to be able to compare ourselves in terms of figures. Facing this fact, I hope you will accept the changes presented in the Yearbook. Last year, in connection with the accession to the EU, standard structural indicators used and comparable within the EU were introduced in Chapter 26. on international comparisons. We continue presenting them. In this Yearbook, I would like to point out the substantial changes in the contents of Chapter 11. External Trade. The accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union caused essential changes in the way of reporting data for external trade statistics, methodology of data collection and processing of the results. External trade now consists of two main components – Intrastat (intra-EU trade) and Extrastat (extra-EU trade). The tables also contain new groups of countries. No longer available are data on exports and imports for the purpose of inward processing. Chapter 8. Prices has been enlarged by a table on Harmonised Indices of Consumer Prices (HICPs). The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices represents inflation rate according to EU methodology and serves as one of the criteria observed for joining the European Monetary Union. Chapter 13. Science and Technology, Information Society includes new data on information and computing professionals. Also enlarged are data on ICT use in households, in the government sector, in education, health and culture because surveys in this area are undergoing changes initiated by Eurostat or the OECD. Biennially, in accordance with the periodicity of the respective survey, Chapter 13. contains also information on innovations and patents.

What you cannot find in this Yearbook any longer are the results of ad hoc surveys (Microcensus 2002, Agrocensus 2000, Farm Structure Survey 2003) in Chapter 9. and Chapter 14., respectively, and projection of population distribution in Chapter 4. On the other hand, some results of the ad hoc survey on energy consumption in households–ENERGO 2004 are presented in Chapter 16B. New information on wastewater treatment plants and sludge production and on environmental non-investment expenditures and economic benefits from environmental protection activities is given in Chapter 3. Environment. Chapter 21. Education contains this year more detailed information on universities. In Chapter 28. Elections you can find the standard results of elections to regional councils and to the Senate of Parliament of the Czech Republic held in 2004.

The content and technical preparation of the Yearbook was shared by a number of staff of the Czech Statistical Office, cooperating ministries and other institutions. Thanks and recognition for the work go to all of them, just like to NAKLADATELSTVÍ SCIENTIA, the traditional publisher and distributor of the Yearbook in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Although we receive a minimum of critical comments on the contents of the Yearbook, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that your suggestions and comments help us importantly improve its quality. You are invited to send them to the addresses you will find on the introductory page. Unless they arrive, it will be an indication to me that you find in the Yearbook data that you need, which is undoubtedly our main goal. It is my concern that not only the Statistical Yearbook of the Czech Republic 2005, but also the following ones are a beneficial and recognised source of statistical information for you.