DWARF GALAXIES OF THE LOCAL GROUP

The Local Group dwarf galaxies offer a unique window to the detailed p roperties of the most common type of galaxy in the Universe. In this r eview, I update the census of Local Group dwarfs based on the most rec ent distance and radial velocity determinations. I then discuss the de tailed properties of this sample, including (a) the integrated photome tric parameters and optical structures of these galaxies, (b) the cont ent, nature, and distribution of their interstellar medium (ISM), (c) their heavy-element abundances derived from both stars and nebulae, (d ) the complex and varied star-formation histories of these dwarfs, (e) their internal kinematics, stressing the relevance of these galaxies to the ''dark matter problem'' and to alternative interpretations, and (f) evidence for past, ongoing, and future interactions of these dwar fs with other galaxies in the Local Group and beyond. To complement th e discussion and to serve as a foundation for future work, I present a n extensive set of basic observational data in tables that summarize m uch of what we know and do not know about these nearby dwarfs. Our und erstanding of these galaxies has grown impressively in the past decade , but fundamental puzzles remain that will keep the Local Group at the forefront,f galaxy evolution studies for some time.