This is the fifth in a series of statistical reports about the social and economic conditions of the black population in the United States. Included here are the most current data available on selected areas of major interest.

In the 1960's significant advances were made by the black population in many fields—notably, income, health, education, employment, and voter participation. The current statistics indicate continued progress in some areas of life, while other areas remained unchanged. Overall, however, in 1972, blacks still lag behind whites in most social and economic areas, although the differentials have narrowed over the years.