Federal Government and Statistical Agencies

These links have information that may be of interest to our users. NCES does not necessarily endorse the views, the data, or facts presented on these sites.

Bureau of the Census
A division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Census provides information on the number, geographic distribution, and social and economic characteristics of the nation through its demographic statistics program. The Census of Governments collects state and local data on public finance, public employment, and governmental organization, powers, and activities.

Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
A division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, BEA produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics made by government officials, business people, households, and individuals. The cornerstone of BEA's statistics is the national income and product accounts (NIPA's), which feature the estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) and related measures.

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
A division of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, the BJS collects, analyzes, publishes, and disseminates statistical information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operations of the justice system at all levels of government and internationally. It also provides technical and financial support to state governments for development of criminal justice statistics and information systems on crime and justice.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
A part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the BLS produces statistics on employment and unemployment, consumer expenditures, prices and living conditions, wages and employee benefits, productivity and technological changes in U.S. industries. It also makes projections of economic growth, the labor force, and employment by industry and occupation. The BLS is also responsible for keeping statistics on occupational injuries and illnesses.

Federal Depository Library Program
Federal publications and other information products are made available for free public use in Federal depository libraries throughout the United States. In addition to the publications, trained librarians are available to assist in their use.

USA.Gov
The official U.S. gateway to all government information, USA.Gov is the catalyst for a growing electronic government. The powerful search engine and ever-growing collection of topical and customer-focused links connects users to millions of web pages - from the federal government, local, state, and tribal governments and to foreign nations around the world.

Library of Congress (LOC)
The LOC Online makes available many of the millions of materials and exhibitions housed within it. Features include: American Memory, a collection of materials and media from U.S. History; International Horizons, a collection of materials and media from around the world; America's Story, a site which brings history to life for children and families; THOMAS, an exhaustive source of legislative information; and scores of digital exhibition pages.

National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. It works to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. The NSF initiates and supports science and engineering research through grants and contracts as well as by evaluation of current research organizations, programs, and budgets.

U.S. Government Printing Office
Created to satisfy the printing needs of Congress, GPO today is the focal point for printing, binding, and information dissemination for the entire Federal community. In addition to Congress and the White House, approximately 130 Federal departments and agencies rely on GPO's services. Congressional documents, census forms, Federal regulations and reports, IRS tax forms, and U.S. passports-all are produced by or through GPO.