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The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) published today (July 13) A Graphic Guide on Hong Kong's Development (1967 - 2002) - a special publication which documents Hong Kong's social and economic developments over the past 35 years in clearly presented statistical charts.
The Graphic Guide is compiled every five years, with inputs from different arms of the C&SD, other government departments and organisations to provide a useful and handy reference for the general public. The current issue is also dedicated to the commemoration of the C&SD's 35th Anniversary in December last year. It is published now so that the 2002 full year figures for most of the statistical items can be presented.
"Over the past few decades, Hong Kong has experienced significant economic and social developments. Statistics is one very effective means of recording and understanding these developments," said Mr H W Fung, the Acting Commissioner for Census and Statistics.
"Through the succinct presentation of statistical charts, this Graphic Guide serves to provide a quick review of Hong Kong's progress during the past 35 years. With a deeper understanding of the past, we may analyse more thoroughly the present situation and become better equipped for the future.
"The statistical charts, albeit seemingly simple, do represent the concerted effort of all committed colleagues to fulfill the diverse data needs of the Government, the private sector and the general public," he said.
With a collection of some 140 statistical charts presented in bilingual format, the full-colour Graphic Guide provides a fascinating insight into the many changes in the whole fabric of Hong Kong's society.
The charts are grouped into 16 sections, including population and vital events; labour; wages and earnings; national income and balance of payments; external trade; commerce and industry; public accounts, money and finance; transport, communications and tourism; consumer prices and household expenditure; housing and property; education; health; social welfare; public order and safety; the environment and miscellaneous.
Compared with the last issue produced five years ago, new data on topics of interest to the community in recent years have been incorporated. Such topics include Hong Kong's social and economic links with the mainland of China (through the presentation of figures on new arrivals holding one-way permit and cross-boundary passengers and vehicles); trade in services; air cargo handling; foreign currency reserves; salaries movements of middle managers and professionals; bankruptcy cases; housing supply; and Government's fiscal position; just to name a few.
Each chart in the Graphic Guide carries a caption summarizing the key progress Hong Kong has made. For each statistical series presented in the chart, figures for the latest and beginning years are labelled therein, letting readers better understand the current state and that years ago, in addition to the trend exhibited.
Also available are definitions of technical statistical terms to facilitate readers in understanding the relevant statistics.
The Graphic Guide is now available, in both hardcopy and softcopy (in PDF format), for sale at HK$38. It can be purchased online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) or by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the C&SD's website (http://www.info.gov.hk/censtatd/eng/prod_serv/forms_index.html). Purchase in person can be made at the Publications Unit of the C&SD (19/F Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai).
The publication will also be available for sale in the annual Hong Kong Book Fair to be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre during July 29 to August 3 where buyers can enjoy a 25 per cent discount for purchase made at the government publications sales booth.
For enquires, please call 2582 4733 or email to gen-enquiry@censtatd.gov.hk.
End/Sunday, July 13, 2003
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