Carbon single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) can be produced by the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) method. They are synthesized by catalytic decomposition of methane at 1000 degreesC on 2.5 wt% Co/MgO catalyst. SWNT samples have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Using these two techniques, a comparison between the SWNTs produced by CCVD and synthesized by electric arc discharge has been made. Finally, we give conclusions about the diameter distribution and the electronic structure of SWNTs produced by the CCVD method.