This trilingual publication gives a brief overview of the main the statistical indicators for UIC member railway companies in 2008. Its format makes it a practical and quick working tool for all those who follow the rail mode activities.

The Synopsis covers the main areas of railway activity: network, transport stock, staff, train performance, passenger and freight traffic.
Furthermore, the Synopsis provide 3 graphs showing the evolution of passenger and freight traffic and length of lines at world level over a four year period and a graph on high speed rail traffic in 2008.