Described as "a comprehensive reference guide to political, economic and social life", the Northern Ireland Yearbook was launched in Dublin yesterday by the former SDLP leader, Mr John Hume.
Mr Hume said the Yearbook was "a reflection of the trend towards normalisation in the North now made possible by the success of the peace process and the establishment of locally accountable institutions of government".
The Yearbook includes a history of Northern Ireland and an A-Z guide to government departments and agencies as well as independent organisations.
It claims to lift the veil of secrecy imposed by the Troubles by publishing what is described as the most comprehensive list to date of civil servants (excluding those "from areas which may still have security sensitivity").
A spokesman for Lagan Consulting, which produced the book, said: "It is hoped that in publishing the names of senior officials handling all the major aspects of public administration the Yearbook is not only helping people to find the individual they need to talk to but also in a small way contributing to the normalisation of life in Northern Ireland."
Mr Hume said it was "a substantial piece of work which contributes significantly to the stock of information available on Northern Ireland".
The editor of the Yearbook, Michael McKernan, said it had been a labour of love. Produced without public funds, the book showed that Northern Ireland was beginning to open up, he added.
The Dublin launch was held at ESB headquarters. The company's chairman, Mr Tadhg O'Donoghue, said a book such as this would have been a pipe dream several years ago. "Thankfully, the good work of the politicians and leaders has created a situation where a publication such as this can happen."