This report – published annually since 2000 – provides an overview of the social dimension in the European Union. It provides a holistic view of the population and its social conditions as a background to social policy development and contributes to the monitoring of developments in the social field across member states. Quantitative information is combined with survey data on public opinion. In 2003 the report focuses on analysis and research on the health of people living in the European Union. In addition, the report contains statistical information at EU level, which provides a tool for monitoring social developments over time.