Europe in figures : 2000

Europe is a Community that has been built gradually: the Treaty of Rome, the Single Act, the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty of Amsterdam have been important steps in this process of building Europe. Major successes have already been obtained with the development of the single market in 1993 and, more recently, with the introduction of the euro, an operation that will be completed when the notes and coins of the new currency enter circulation at the start of 2002. Other steps in building Europe lie ahead for the European Union. The European Community was conceived from the outset as an open structure. Austria, Finland and Sweden opted to join in 1995, and other countries have shown their interest in becoming full members. At the core of this process lies Eurostat. By compiling, harmonising and disseminating information covering every area of economic and social life it is fulfilling its vocation: to provide the European Union with a high quality statistical information service. The purpose of this publication, which has been prepared especially with schools in mind, is to provide particularly accurate, impartial and objective information for everyone who is interested in the European Union and its members, and also in the world's major economic powers. This fifth edition reiterates one of the statistical profession's primary ambitions: to explain things to ensure better understanding.