Statistics of compact objects and coalescence rates

We review evolutionary scenarios, population statistics and merging rates of binary systems containing white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes in the context of their impending detection as sources of gravitational waves. We begin in para. 1 with a census of the various systems currently known. In para. 2 we review the evolutionary scenarios which are thought to be the main routes for forming these systems. In para. 3 we look at the various selection effects at play in the observed samples, as well as some of the techniques used to correct for these biases in para. 4. Population syntheses are outlined in para. 5. In para. 6, we review recent merger rate determinations for various types of binary systems. We conclude the review with an optimistic look to the future in para. 7. (author)