This book fills the gap created when the National Center for Health Statistics ceased publication of its Vital Statistics compendia in 1992. This volume includes both current and historical statistics and, when appropriate, details by state and metropolitan area and comparisons to foreign countries. Equal emphasis is given to data on natality and mortality. Mortality data is supplemented by selected background statistics on high-risk persons, such as smokers, patients with HIV, diabetics, and persons with heart disease. In the third edition, the health chapter has been expanded to include several more tables on health expenditures and health insurance. In addition there are a variety of new figures on topics including teenage pregnancy, diabetes, and deaths due to drug-induced causes.