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Search
Anything Albania
Led
by the agricultural sector, real GDP grew by an estimated 11% in 1993, 8%
in 1994, and more than 8% in 1995, with most of this growth in the private
sector. Annual inflation dropped from 25% in 1991 to single-digit numbers.
The Albanian currency, the lek, stabilized. Albania became less dependent
on food aid. The speed and vigor of private entrepreneurial response to Albania's
opening and liberalizing was better than expected. Beginning in 1995, however,
progress stalled, with negligible GDP growth in 1996 and a 9% contraction
in 1997.Albania is currently undergoing an intensive macroeconomic restructuring
regime with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The need for reform
is profound, encompassing all sectors of the economy. In 2004, the largest
commercial bank in Albania -the then Savings Bank of Albania- was privatised
and sold to Raiffeisen Bank of Austria for US$ 124 million.(1)
Search
Anything Algeria
The fossil fuels energy sector
is the backbone of Algeria's economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget
revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. The country ranks fourteenth
in petroleum reserves, containing 11.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves
with estimates suggesting that the actual amount is even more. The U.S. Energy
Information Administration reported that in 2005, Algeria had 160 trillion
cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural gas reserves, the eighth largest in the
world.The spike in oil prices in 1999-2000 and the government's tight fiscal
policy, as well as a large increase in the trade surplus and the near tripling
of foreign exchange reserves has helped the country's finances. However, an
ongoing drought, the after effects of the November 10, 2001 floods and an
uncertain oil market make prospects for 2002-03 more problematic. The government
pledges to continue its efforts to diversify the economy by attracting foreign
and domestic investment outside the energy sector. However, it has thus far
had little success in reducing high unemployment, officially estimated at
30% and improving living standards.The
government has announced plans to sell off state enterprises: sales of a national
cement factory and steel plant have been completed and other industries are
up for offer. In 2001, Algeria signed an Association Agreement with the European
Union; it has started accession negotiations for entry into the World Trade
Organization.(1)
Search
Anything Argentina
Argentina benefits from rich
natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural
sector, and a diversified industrial base. Historically, however, its economic
performance has been very uneven. At the beginning of the twentieth century
it was one of the richest countries in the world[citation needed], but it
is now an upper-middle income country. Despite this, Argentina remains the
most economically developed country in Latin America (measured in GDP per
capita and HDI). Argentine exports are mainly of the agricultural type. Soja
products (soybeans, vegetable oil, etc.) account for more than one quarter
of the total exports. Cereals (mostly maize and wheat) make up less than one
tenth. Petroleum-related products take up roughly another 20% of the total.
Next come automotive products, bovine products (beef, leather and milk), each
accounting for 6% of total exports, and finally the products of the steel
industry.In 2005 Argentina attracted $2.4 billion in foreign direct investment
(FDI).(1)
Search
Anything Armenia
The
Gross Domestic Product of Armenia is estimated in 2006 to be 6.6 billion US
dollars per calendar year and the GDP per capita (purchasing power parity)
is estimated at $5400 US. The growth rate is high at 13.4%, but the relatively
low base must be considered. Low inflation is maintained around 2.6% annually.Armenia
joined the WTO in January 2003. Armenia also has managed to slash inflation,
stabilize its currency, and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Armenia's unemployment rate, however, remains high, despite strong economic
growth. The chronic energy shortages Armenia suffered in the early and mid-1990s
have been offset by the energy supplied by one of its nuclear power plants
at Metsamor. Investment in the construction and industrial sectors is expected
to continue in 2006 and will help to ensure annual average real GDP growth
of about 13.9%.(1)
Search Anything Australia *
The Economy of Australia is
a prosperous, Western-style market economy dominated by its services sector
(68% of GDP), though the agricultural and mining sectors (29.9% of GDP combined
account for 65% of its exports. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a
major exporter of agricultural products, particularly grains and wool, and
minerals, including various metals, coal, and natural gas.Australia
occupies a continent close to the size of the contiguous United States. Service
industries have expanded in recent decades at the expense of the manufacturing
sector, which now accounts for just under 12 per cent of GDP.(1)
Search
Anything Austria
Austria is one of the 10 richest
countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita, has a well-developed social
market economy, and a very high standard of living. Until the 1980s, many
of Austria's largest industry firms were nationalised; in recent years, however,
privatisation has reduced state holdings to a level comparable to other European
economies. Labour movements are particularly strong in Austria and have large
influence on labour politics. Next to a highly-developed industry, international
tourism is the most important part of the national economy.(1)
Search
Anything Bahrain
According to the 2007 Index
of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street
Journal, Bahrain has the second most free economy in the Middle East and North
Africa region and is thirty-ninth overall in the world. An alternative index,
published by the Fraser Institute, puts Bahrain in 44th place tied with 7
other countries.Bahrain's current account balance is characterized by surpluses
in merchandise trade and international services, and a large deficit in unilateral
transfers, which is accounted for by the country's large expatriate workforce
sending home a portion of its earnings. In 2003 and 2004, the balance of payments
performance improved due to rising oil prices and increased receipts from
the services sector. As a result, the current account balance registered a
surplus of US$219 million in 2003 and a surplus of US$442 million in 2004,
compared with a deficit of US$35 million in 2002. Bahrain's gross international
reserves increased substantially in 2004 to US$1.6 billion, compared with
US$1.4 billion in the previous three years (2001-2003).(1)
Search
Anything Bangladesh
The
economy of Bangladesh is the 31st largest economy in the world as measured
by purchasing power parity (PPP). It has made significant strides in its economic
sector since its independence in 1971. The Bangladeshi garments industry is
one of the largest and most comprehensive industries[citation needed] in the
world. Before 1980, Bangladesh's economy and foreign exchange earnings were
driven by the jute industry. However, this industry started to fall dramatically
from 1970, when polypropylene products gained popularity over the jute products.Current
GDP per capita of Bangladesh registered a peak growth of 57% in the Seventies
immediately after Independence. But this proved unsustainable and growth consequently
scaled back to 29% in the Eighties and 24% in the Nineties.Bangladesh has
also made major strides to meet the food needs of its increasing population,
through increased domestic production. Currently, Bangladesh is the fourth
largest rice producing country in the world.(1)
Search
Anything Belarus
Most of the Belarusian economy
remains state-controlled, as in Soviet times. Thus, 51.2% of Belarusians are
employed by state-controlled companies, 47.4% are employed by private Belarusian
companies (of which 5.7% are partially foreign-owned), and 1.4% are employed
by foreign companies. The country relies on imports such as oil from Russia
Important agricultural products include potatoes and cattle byproducts, such
as meat.As of 1994, the biggest exports of Belarus were heavy machinery, agricultural
products, and energy products.(1)
Search Anything Belgium
Brussels has become a significant
centre for international institutions, notably those of the European Union.
The city also plays host to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation (NATO) is based in the city along with 1000 other international
organisations and 2000 international corporations. Brussels is third in the
number of international conferences it hosts also becoming one of the largest
convention centres in the world. The presence of the EU and the other international
bodies has led to there being more ambassadors and journalists in Brussels
than Washington D.C.International schools have also been established to serve
this presence.(1)
Search
Anything Brazil
Brazil has a free market and
export-oriented economy. Measured nominally, its Gross Domestic Product surpasses
a trillion dollars, and $1.8 trillion in purchasing power parity, making it
the eighth largest economy in the world and the third largest in America.Its
nominal per capita GDP has repassed $6,000 in 2007, due to the strong and
continued appreciation of the real for the first time this decade. Its industrial
sector accounts for three fifths of the South American economy's industrial
production.The country’s scientific and technological development is
argued to be attractive to foreign direct investment, which has averaged US$
20 billion per year the last years, compared to only US$ 2 billion/year last
decade,[4] thus showing a remarkable growth. The agricultural sector, locally
called the agronegócio sector, has also been remarkably dynamic: for
two decades this sector has kept Brazil amongst the most highly productive
countries in areas related to the rural sector.The agricultural sector and
the mining sector also supported trade surpluses which allowed for massive
currency gains (rebound) and external debt paydown.(1)
Search Anything Brunei
Brunei is the third-largest oil producer in
Southeast Asia, averaging about 180,000 barrels (29,000 m³) a day. It
also is the fourth-largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world.
Brunei's gross domestic product (GDP) soared with the petroleum price increases
of the 1970s to a peak of $5.7 billion in 1980.This small, wealthy economy
is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation
and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported
by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum
sector accounting for over half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far above most other
Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements
income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services
and subsidizes food and housing. The government has shown progress in its
basic policy of diversifying the economy away from oil and gas.(1)
Search
Anything Bulgaria
Since 1990, the bulk
of Bulgarian trade has shifted from former COMECON countries primarily to
the European Union, although Russian petroleum exports to Bulgaria make it
Bulgaria's single largest trading partner. In December 1996, Bulgaria joined
the World Trade Organization. In the early 90's Bulgaria's slow pace of privatization,
contradictory government tax and investment policies, and bureaucratic red
tape kept foreign investment among the lowest in the region. Total direct
foreign investment from 1991 through 1996 was $831 million. In the years since
1997, however, Bulgaria has begun to attract substantial foreign investment.
In 2004 alone over 2.72 billion Euro (3.47 billion US dollars) were invested
by foreign companies. In 2005 economists observed a slowdown to about 1.8
billion euros (2.3 billion US dollars) in FDI which is attributed mainly to
the end of the privatization of the major state owned companies.(1)
Search Anything Canada *
Canada is one of the world's wealthiest nations,
and a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) and Group of Eight (G8). As with other developed nations, the Canadian
economy is dominated by the service industry, which employs about three quarters
of Canadians [citation needed]. Canada is unusual among developed countries
in the importance of the primary sector, with the logging and oil industries
being two of Canada's most important. Canada also has a sizable manufacturing
sector, centred in Central Canada, with the automobile industry especially
important.International
trade makes up a large part of the Canadian economy, particularly of its natural
resources. The United States is by far its largest trading partner, accounting
for about 79% of exports and 65% of imports as of 2006.(1)
Search
Anything Chile
Chile's
economy is highly dependent on international trade. In 2006, exports increased
to $59.0 billion from $40.5 billion in 2005, and imports increased to $36.7
billion from $30.2 billion the previous year. Exports accounted for about
42% of GDP. Chile has traditionally been dependent upon copper exports; the
state-owned firm CODELCO is the world's largest copper-producing company.
Foreign private investment has developed many new mines, and the private sector
now produces more copper than CODELCO. Copper output continued to increase
in 2000. Non-traditional exports have grown faster than those of copper and
other minerals. In 1975, non-mineral exports made up just over 30% of total
exports, whereas now they account for about 60%. The most important non-mineral
exports are forestry and wood products, fresh fruit and processed food, fishmeal
and seafood, and other manufactured products.Chile's export markets are fairly
balanced among Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America. The U.S., the
largest-single market, takes in 17% of Chile's exports. Latin America has
been the fastest-growing export market in recent years. The government actively
seeks to promote Chile's exports globally, and since 2004 has had the US-Chile
Free Trade Agreement in place.(1)
Search
Anything China *
The economy of the People's
Republic of China is the second largest in the world after the US with a GDP
of $10.21 trillion (2006) when measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP)
basis. It is the fourth largest in the world after the US, Japan and Germany,
with a nominal GDP of US$3.42 trillion (2007) when measured in exchange-rate
terms.China has been the fastest-growing major nation for the past quarter
of a century with an average annual GDP growth rate above 10%.China's per
capita income has grown at an average annual rate of more than 8% over the
last three decades drastically reducing poverty, but this rapid growth has
been accompanied by rising income inequalities.The country's per capita income
is classified as low by world standards, at about $2,000 (nominal, 107th of
179 countries/economies), and $7,800 (PPP, 82nd of 179 countries/economies)
in 2006, according to the IMF.(1)
Search Anything Colombia
Colombia's estimated balance of trade showed
a surplus $910 million in 1999, up from a $3.8 billion deficit in 1998. Total
1999 imports were $10.6 billion, while exports were $11.5 billion. Estimated
2000 imports were $11.2 billion with $14.0 exports. Colombia's major exports
continue to be petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, gold and nontraditional exports
(e.g., cut flowers, semiprecious stones, sugar, and tropical fruits).The
United States remained Colombia's major trading partner in 1999, taking 48.5%
of exports and providing 42.1% of imports. The EU and Japan also are important
trading partners, as are Andean Pact countries and Venezuela.Colombia is well-endowed
with minerals and energy resources. It has the largest coal reserves in Latin
America, and is second to Brazil in hydroelectric potential. Estimates of
petroleum reserves in 1995 were 3.1 billion barrels (493,000 m³). It
also possesses significant amounts of nickel, gold, silver, platinum, and
emeralds.(1)
Seach Anything Costa Rica
With
a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, Costa Rica stands as the most visited
nation in the Central American region, with 1,9 million foreign visitors in
2007,[2] thus reaching a rate of foreign tourists per capita de 0,46, one
of the highest in the Caribbean Basin, and above other popular destinations
such as Mexico (0,21), Dominican Republic (0,38), and Brazil (0,03). Most
of the tourists come from the U.S. (54%) and the E.U. (14%), which translates
into a relatively high expenditure per tourist of $1000 per trip. In 2005,
tourism contributed with 8,1% of the country's GNP and represented 13,3% of
direct and indirect employment.Ecotourism is extremely popular with the many
tourists visiting the extensive national parks and protected areas around
the country. Costa Rica was a pioneer in this type of tourism and the country
is recognized as one of the few with real ecotourism.[Other important market
segments are adventure, and sun and beaches. Most of the tourists come from
the U.S. (54%) and the E.U. (14%), the prime market travelers in the world,
which translates into a relatively high expenditure per tourist of $1000 per
trip.(1)
Search Anything Croatia
The
Croatian economy has a stable functioning market economy according to EU reports
and is the most advanced economy of South-Eastern Europe (Greece excluded).
The Croatian preliminary 2008 GDP data states that the Croatian GDP is USD
66.7 billion, or just over USD 18,800 per capita (real income), putting Croatia
ahead of the EU member-states Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and Lithuania. The
average gross salary as of November 2007 is 1,500 USD. "Grey" economy
of about USD 2 billion is still not included in GDP calculations like in other
EU countries, something which would certainly increase the rate.In the first
quarter of 2007, Croatian economy rose by 7.1%, in second quarter 6.6%, in
the third quarter 5.1% so the annual growth rate which was expected to be
around 4.7% has now been revised to around 6%. Analysts believe that the Croatian
economy is finally entering a period of faster and stronger economic prosperity.(1)
Search
Anything Cyprus
Cyprus has an open, free-market, service-based
economy with some light manufacturing. The Cypriots are among the most prosperous
people in the Mediterranean region. Internationally, Cyprus promotes its geographical
location as a "bridge" between West and East, along with its educated
English-speaking population, moderate local costs, good airline connections,
and telecommunications.Cyprus is classified among the high-income countries,
with a per capita income of CY£9,477 in 2004 . It has a standard of
living that is even higher than some other European Union member-states and
the performance of the economy compares favourably with that of most other
EU countries. Cyprus holds 16th place worldwide in terms of per capita income.
The average annual rate of growth in the past five years was about 3.8%, while
inflation stood at 2.9% and unemployment at 3.4% over that period.(1)
Search
Anything Czech
Of the emerging democracies
in central and eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has one of the most developed
industrialized economies. It is one of the most stable and prosperous of the
post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe.The
principal industries are heavy and general machine-building, iron and steel
production, metalworking, chemical production, electronics, transportation
equipment, textiles, glass, brewing, china, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals.
Its main agricultural products are sugarbeets, fodder roots, potatoes, wheat,
and hops.(1)
Search Anything Denmark
Denmark's market economy features very efficient
agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government
welfare measures, very high living standards, a stable currency, and high
dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy
and has a comfortable balance of payments surplus and zero net foreign debt.
Also of importance is the sea territory of more than 105,000 km² (40,000+
sq mi).The
Danish economy is highly unionised; 75% of its labour force are members of
a trade union.Most trade unions take part in the organized system of trade
unions, the organization at the highest level being the so-called LO, the
Danish Confederation of Trade Unions. However, increasing numbers in the labour
force choose not to become members of a trade union or to become members of
one of the trade unions outside the organized system (often referred to as
the yellow, in Danish gule, trade unions).(1)
Search Anything Dominica
The economy depends on agriculture and is highly vulnerable
to climatic conditions, notably tropical storms. Agriculture, primarily bananas,
accounts for 21% of GDP and employs 40% of the labor force. Development of
the tourist industry remains difficult because of the rugged coastline, lack
of beaches, and the lack of an international airport. Hurricane Luis devastated
the country's banana crop in September 1995; tropical storms had wiped out
one-quarter of the crop in 1994 as well. The economy's recovery continued
in 1998, fueled by increases in construction, soap production, and tourist
arrivals. The government is attempting to develop an offshore financial industry
in order to diversify the island's production base.GDP: purchasing power parity
- $384 million (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: -1% (2003 est.)GDP - per capita: purchasing power
parity - $5 500 (2003 est.)(1)
Search
Anything Egypt
Among
Arab countries, Egypt's GDP has been for long second only to Saudi Arabia's
but stepped back in 2003 to third after Saudi Arabi and United Arab Emirates,
and since 2004 to fourth after Saudi Arabi, United Arab Emirates and Algeria.Gross
domestic product (GDP) per capita based on purchasing-power-parity (PPP) increased
fourfold between 1981 and 2006, from US$ 1355 in 1981, to US$ 2525 in 1991,
to US$ 3686 in 2001 and to an estimated US$ 4535 in 2006. Based on national
currency, GDP per capita at constant 1999 prices increased from EGP 411 in
1981, to EGP 2098 in 1991, to EGP 5493 in 2001 and to EGP 8708 in 2006. Based
on the current US$ prices, GDP per capita increased from US$ 587 in 1981,
to US$ 869 in 1991, to US$ 1461 in 2001 and to an estimated US$ 1518 (which
translates to less than US$ 130 per month) in 2006. According to the World
Bank Country Classification, Egypt has been promoted from the low income category
to lower middle income category.(1)
Search Anything Estonia
Estonian
economy is one of the fastest growing in the world with growth rates even
exceeding 10% annually. Despite some concerns both in and outside of the country,
the Estonian economy and its currency remain highly resilient and solvent.During
recent years the Estonian economy has continued to grow with admirable rates.
Estonian GDP grew by 6.4% in the year 2000 and with double speeds after accession
to the EU in 2004. The GDP grew by 7.9% in 2007 alone. Increases in labor
costs, rise of taxation on tobacco, alcohol and gas and also external pressures
(growing prices of oil and food on the global market) are expected to raise
inflation just above the 10% mark in the first months of 2009. The government
is trying to lower inflation by sizable 1.5% of GDP budget surplus and the
inflation is expected to start lowering the second half of 2009.(1)
Search
Anything Fiji
Endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources,
Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though
it remains a developing country with a large subsistence agriculture sector.
Agriculture accounts for 18 % of Gross Domestic Product, although it employs
some 70 % of the workforce as of 2001. Sugar exports and a growing tourist
industry are the major sources of foreign exchange. Sugar cane processing
makes up one-third of industrial activity; coconuts, ginger, and copra are
also significant.Tourism earned more than $300 million in foreign exchange
for Fiji in 1998, an amount exceeding the revenue from its two largest goods
exports (sugar and garments). The effects of the Asian financial crisis led
to a sharp drop in the number of Asian tourists visiting Fiji in 1997 and
1998, which contributed to a substantial drop in gross domestic product.
Search Anything Finland
Finland has a highly industrialised modern
economy with a per capita output in par with the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
Sweden and Italy. The main economic sector is services, but manufacturing
and technology is the key export sector, centering around the wood, metals,
engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries.Similarly
to its Nordic neighbors, Finland has achieved an excellent standard of living
through the so called Nordic model, which stresses a model of education, lifelong
learning, and research for economic growth purposes.Finland constantly ranks
high in terms of measures ranking countries global competitiveness, with World
Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report ranking Finland 2nd out of 125
countries for 2006-2007.(1)
Search
Anything France
France
is the sixth largest economy in the world in USD exchange-rate terms. With
a GDP of €1.6 trillion (1.6×€1012 ; 2005 data), the sixth
largest by purchasing power parity, according to World Bank and IMF figures,
it is the third largest in Europe after Germany and United Kingdom.France
is the second-largest trading nation in western Europe (after Germany). Its
foreign trade balance for goods had been in surplus from 1992 until 2001,
reaching $25.4 billion (25.4 G$) in 1998. However, the French balance of trade
was hit by the economic downturn, and went into the red in 2000, reaching
US$15bn in deficit in 2003. Total trade for 1998 amounted to $730 billion,
or 50% of GDP--imports plus exports of goods and services. Trade with European
Union countries accounts for 60% of French trade.(1)
Search
Anything Georgia
Since early 2000s visible positive developments
have been observed in the economy of Georgia. In 2006 Georgia's real GDP growth
rate reached 8.8%, making Georgia one of the fastest growing economies in
Eastern Europe. The World Bank dubbed Georgia "the number one economic
reformer in the world" because it has in one year improved from rank
112th to 18th in terms of ease of doing business.However, the country has
high unemployment rate of 12.6% and has fairly low median income compared
to European countries.IMF
2006 estimates place Georgia's nominal GDP at US$7.76 billion. Georgia's economy
is becoming more devoted to services (now representing 54.8% of GDP), moving
away from agricultural sector ( 17.7%).The country has sizable hydropower
resources.Georgia is becoming more integrated into the global trading network:
its 2006 imports and exports account for 10% and 18% of GDP respectively.Georgia's
main imports are natural gas, oil products, machinery and parts, and transport
equipment.(1)
Search
Anything Germany
Germany
is the largest national economy in Europe, the third largest by nominal GDP
in the world, and ranked fifth by GDP (PPP) .Growth in 2006 was 2.8% and is
predicted to retain this level in the following years.[50] Since the age of
industrialisation the country has been motor, innovator and beneficiary of
an ever more globalized economy. The export of goods "Made in Germany"
is one of the main factors of the country's wealth. Germany is the world's
top exporter with $1.133 trillion exported in 2006 (Eurozone countries are
included) and generates a trade surplus of €165 billion .[51] The service
sector contributes around 70% to the total GDP, the industry 29.1% and agriculture
0.9%. Most of the country's products are in engineering, especially in automobiles,
machinery, metals, and chemical goods.Germany is the leading producer of wind
turbines and solar power technology in the world. The largest, annual, international
trade fairs and congresses are held in several German cities such as Hanover,
Frankfurt and Berlin.(1)
Search Anything Greece
Greece operates a capitalist economy that
produced a GDP of $305.595 billion in 2006. Its principal economic activities
include tourism and shipping industries, banking and finance, manufacturing
and construction and telecommunications. The country serves as the regional
business hub for many of the world's largest multinational companies.The
people of Greece enjoy a high standard of living. Greece ranks 24th[23] in
the 2006 HDI, 22nd on The Economist's 2005 world-wide quality-of-life index,[24]
and, according to the International Monetary Fund it has an estimated average
per capita income of $35,166 for the year 2007, comparable to that of Germany,
France and Italy and approximately equal to the EU average.(1)
Search
Anything Grenada
Grenada has a largely tourism-based, small, open economy. Over
the past two decades, the economy has shifted from one of agriculture-dominant
into that of services-dominant, with tourism serving as the leading foreign
currency earning sector. The country's principal export crops are the spices
nutmeg and mace (Grenada is the world’s second largest producer of nutmeg
after Indonesia). Other crops for export include cocoa, citrus fruits, bananas,
cloves, and cinnamon. Manufacturing industries in Grenada operate mostly on
a small scale, including production of beverages and other foodstuffs, textiles,
and the assembly of electronic components for export.(1)
Search
Anything Guatemala
Guatemala's Gross domestic product for 2000 was estimated at
$19.0 billion, with real growth slowing to approximately 3.3%. After the signing
of the final peace accord in December 1996, Guatemala was well-positioned
for rapid economic growth over the next 10 years.Guatemala's
economy is dominated by the private sector, which generates about 85% of GDP.
Agriculture contributes 23% of GDP and accounts for 75% of exports. Most manufacturing
is light assembly and food processing, geared to the domestic, U.S., and Central
American markets. Over the past several years, tourism and exports of textiles,
apparel, and nontraditional agricultural products such as winter vegetables,
fruit, and cut flowers have boomed, while more traditional exports such as
sugar, bananas, and coffee continue to represent a large share of the export
market.The United States is the country's largest trading partner, providing
41% of Guatemala's imports and receiving 34% of its exports.(1)
Search
Anything Hawaii
The history of Hawaii can be traced through
a succession of dominating industries: sandalwood, whaling, sugarcane, pineapple,
military, tourism, and education. Since statehood was achieved in 1959, tourism
has been the largest industry in Hawaii, contributing 24.3% of the Gross State
Product (GSP) in 1997. New efforts are underway to diversify the economy.
The total gross output for the state in 2003 was US$47 billion; per capita
income for Hawaii residents was US$30,441.Industrial
exports from Hawaii include food processing and apparel. These industries
play a small role in the Hawaii economy, however, due to the considerable
shipping distance to the ports and population of the West Coast of the United
States. Food exports include coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, livestock,
and sugarcane. Agricultural sales for 2002, according to the Hawaii Agricultural
Statistics Service, were US$370.9 million from diversified agriculture, US$100.6
million from pineapple, and US$64.3 million from sugarcane.(1)
Search Anything Honduras
The economy is based mostly on agriculture, which accounted
for 22% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 1999. Leading export coffee
($340 million) accounted for 22% of total Honduran export revenues. Bananas,
formerly the country's second-largest export until being virtually wiped out
by 1998's Hurricane Mitch, recovered in 2000 to 57% of pre-Mitch levels. Cultivated
shrimp are another important export sector.The country's international reserve
position continued to be strong in 2000, at slightly over $1 billion. Remittances
from Hondurans living abroad (mostly in the U.S.) rose 28% to $410 million
in 2000. The lempira (currency) was devaluing for many years but stabilized
at L19 to the US dollar in 2005. The minimum wage is USD150 a month.(1)
Search
Anything Hong Kong
Hong Kong maintains a highly capitalist economy
built on a policy of free market, low taxation and government non-intervention.
It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest
concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region. In terms
of gross domestic product per capita and gross metropolitan product, Hong
Kong is the wealthiest urban centre in the People's Republic of China. The
GDP (PPP) per capita of Hong Kong exceeds the four big economies in Western
Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy), as well as Japan.The Hong Kong Stock
Exchange is the sixth largest in the world, with a market capitalisation of
about US$2.97 trillion as of October 2007. In 2006, the value of initial public
offerings conducted in Hong Kong was second highest in the world after London.[33]
The City of London Corporation's Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 2007,
which evaluates the competitiveness of 46 financial centres worldwide, ranks
Hong Kong as the third-best financial centre globally and the strongest centre
in Asia.(1)
Search
Anything Hong Kong
The Economy of Hong Kong is believed to be
the most economically free in the world. It has often been cited by economists
such as Milton Friedman and the Cato Institute as an example of the benefits
of laissez-faire capitalism.In 2006, Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
on a Purchasing power parity (PPP) basis ranked as the 38th highest in the
world at US$263.1 billion. Its (PPP) GDP per capita ranked as the 6th highest
at US$38,127. After a slump caused by the regionwide Asian
financial crisis that began in 1997, Hong Kong's economy had been on the rebound.
Real GDP growth was 4% in 1999 and reached double digits in the first half
of 2000. However, the dot-com bubble in the second half of 2000, the 9/11
terrorist attacks upon the United States in 2001 and the SARS outbreak in
2003 had severely damaged the economy of Hong Kong. In 2004 and 2005, real
GDP grew by 8.6% and 7.5% respectively.(1)
Search
Anything Hungary
Hungary
is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a capital
regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Despite its relatively
small size, the country is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere
reserves, the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz),
the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural
grassland in Europe (Hortobágy).Hungary continues to demonstrate economic
growth as one of the newest member countries of the European Union (since
2004). The private sector accounts for over 80% of GDP. Hungary gets nearly
one third of all foreign direct investment flowing in to Central Europe, with
cumulative foreign direct investment totalling more than US$23 billion since
1989. It enjoys strong trade, fiscal, monetary, investment, business, and
labor freedoms. The top income tax rate is fairly high, but corporate taxes
are low. Inflation is low, it was on the rise in the past few years, but it
is now starting to regulate. Investment in Hungary is easy, although it is
subject to government licensing in security-sensitive areas. Foreign capital
enjoys virtually the same protections and privileges as domestic capital.
The rule of law is strong, a professional judiciary protects property rights,
and the level of corruption is low.(1)
Search
Anything Iceland
The economy of Iceland is small but well-developed
(most developed in the world according to United Nations Human Development
Index), with a gross domestic product estimated at US $ 12.172 billion (132nd
of 227 countries) in 2005 (and a per capita GDP of $40,277, which is among
the world's highest.)Like
the other Nordic countries, Iceland has a mixed economy that is mainly capitalistic
but supports an extensive welfare state. Social expenditure is, however, below
that of mainland Scandinavia and most of western Europe.The Icelandic economy
is highly dependent on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of export
income and employs 4% of the workforce; therefore, the state of the economy
remains sensitive to world prices for fish products.Iceland's economy is highly
export-driven. Marine products account for the majority of goods exports.
Other important exports include aluminum, ferro-silicon alloys, machinery
and electronic equipment for the fishing industry, software, and woolen goods.
Most of Iceland's exports go to the European Union (EU) and European Free
Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the United States, and Japan. The 2005
value of Iceland's exports was $3.215 billion f.o.b.(1)
Search Anything India *
For most of its post-independence history,
India adhered to a quasi-socialist approach with strict government control
over private sector participation, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment.
However, since 1991, India has gradually opened up its markets through economic
reforms and reduced government controls on foreign trade and investment.[31]
Foreign exchange reserves have risen from US$5.8 billion in March 1991 to
US$275 billion in 2007,[87] while federal and state budget deficits have decreased.[88]
Privatization of publicly-owned companies and the opening of certain sectors
to private and foreign participation has continued amid political debate.[89]
With a GDP growth rate of 9.4% in 2006-07, the Indian economy is among the
fastest growing in the world.[90] India's GDP in terms of USD exchange-rate
is US$ 778.7 billion. When measured in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP),
India has the world's third largest GDP at US$4.164 trillion. India's per
capita income (nominal) is US$ 707, while its per capita (PPP) is US$ 3600.(1)
Search
Anything Indonesia
Indonesia has a market-based economy in which
the government plays a significant role. It owns more than 164 state-owned
enterprises and administers prices on several basic goods, including fuel,
rice, and electricity.As of early 2006, Indonesia's economic outlook is more
positive. Economic growth accelerated to 5.1% in 2004 and reached 5.6% in
2005. Real per capita income has reached pre-crisis levels. Growth is driven
primarily by domestic consumption, which accounts for roughly three-fourths
of Indonesia's gross domestic product. The Jakarta Stock Exchange was the
best performing market in Asia in 2004, up some 42%. Problems that continue
to put a drag on growth include low foreign investment levels, bureaucratic
red tape, and very widespread corruption which causes 51.43 trillion Rupiah
or 5.6573 billion US Dollar or approximately 1.4% of GDP to be gone on a yearly
basis.(1)
Search
Anything Iran
Agriculture
contributes just over 11% to the gross national product and employs a third
of the labor force. The industrial sector including mining, manufacturing,
and construction contributed 42% of the GDP and employed 31% of the labor
force in 2004. Mineral products, notably petroleum, dominate Iran’s
exports revenues (80%), but mining employs less than 1% of the country’s
labor force. In 2004 the service sector ranked as the largest contributor
to the GDP (48%) and employed 44% of workers. In 2005, Iranian women accounted
for 33% of the workforce (out of 25 million people). In 2006, the average
annual salary in Iran was $2,700. Migrant Iranian workers abroad remitted
less than $2 billion home in 2006.In 2007 the GDP was estimated at $206.7
billion ($852.6 billion at PPP), or $3,160 per capita ($12,300 at PPP). The
informal economy is also important. Because of these figures and the country’s
diversified but small industrial base, the United Nations classifies Iran's
economy as semideveloped (1998).(1)
Search
Anything Iraq
In a December 2006 Newsweek International article,
a study by Global Insight in London was reported to show "that Civil
war or not, Iraq has an economy, and mother of all surprises it's doing remarkably
well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors
are healthy, too, according to [the report]. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago.
Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply.
Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent
last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at
4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security,
the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all." (1)
Search
Anything Ireland
This situation changed dramatically in the
mid 1990s as the result of a second, more prodigious, economic boom, known
as the "Celtic Tiger" (as in "tiger economy"). This was
led by a surge in inward investment in high end industries in services, and
lower taxation levels. From 2002, this was augmented by low interest rates
set by the European Central Bank which encourage private sector consumption.
In July 2006, a survey undertaken by Bank of Ireland Private Banking showed
that, of the top 8 leading OECD nations, the Republic of Ireland was ranked
the second wealthiest per capita country in the world, showing an average
wealth per head of nearly €150,000 (~ $190,000).[66] This is behind Japan,
and ahead of other countries such as the UK, U.S., Italy, France, Germany
and Spain.(1)
Search
Anything Israel
Israel has a diversified economy with substantial government ownership and
a rapidly developing high-tech sector. Poor in natural resources, Israel depends
on imports of petroleum, coal, food, uncut diamonds, other production inputs,
and military equipment. The country's GDP (Purchasing power parity) in 2006
reached $195 billion according to the International Monetary Fund or $179
billion according to the World Bank (see List of countries by GDP (PPP)).
GDP per capita has been $31,767 according to the International Monetary Fund
in 2007 or $26,200 in 2006 according to the CIA World Factbook. $31,767 is
on par with most Western European countries like France or Italy, while $26,200
is lower than most Western European countries except Greece, Spain and Portugal
but higher than all Eastern European countries and close to the average for
the European Union (see List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita). The economy
grew by 8% in the last quarter of 2006, the fastest growth of any Western
nation.(1)
Search
Anything Italy
The economy of Italy has changed dramatically
since the end of World War II. From an agriculturally based economy, it has
developed into an industrial country ranked as the world's sixth-largest economy
in USD exchange-rate terms and seventh largest in terms of purchasing power
parity (PPP). More recently, Italy has faced sluggish economic growth and
reduced international competitiveness. However, statistics as of 2007 show
signs of acceleration in GDP growth, estimated at 2% in 2006, a record high
since 2000.The
country belongs to the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations; it is a
member of the European Union and the OECD.(1)
Search Anything Japan *
Japan's industrialized, free-market economy
is the world's third-largest, adjusted to purchasing power parity (PPP), after
the United States, and People's Republic of China. Also, Japan is the world's
second-largest economy by real GDP, nominal GDP and by market exchange rates.
Its economy is highly efficient and competitive in areas linked to international
trade although productivity is lower in areas such as agriculture, distribution,
and services. Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery
of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation have helped
Japan advance with extraordinary speed to become one of the largest economies
in the world. Its reservoir of industrial leadership and technicians, well-educated
and industrious work force, high savings and investment rates, and intensive
promotion of industrial development and foreign trade have produced a mature
industrial economy.(1)
Search
Anything Jordan
Since 1995, economic growth has been low. Real
GDP has grown at only about 1.5% annually, while the official unemployment
has hovered at 14% . The budget deficit and public debt have remained high
and continue to widen, yet during this period inflation has remained low due
mainly to stable monetary policy and the continued peg to the United States
Dollar. Exports of manufactured goods have risen at an annual rate of 9%.
Monetary stability has been reinforced, even when tensions were renewed in
the region during 1998, and during the illness and ultimate death of King
Hussein in 1999.Expectations
of increased trade and tourism as a consequence of Jordan's peace treaty with
Israel have been disappointing though not unexpected. Security-related restrictions
to trade with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have led to a substantial decline
in Jordan's exports there. Following his ascension, King Abdullah improved
relations with Arabic states of the Persian Gulf and Syria, but this brought
few real economic benefits. Most recently the Jordanians have focused on WTO
membership and a Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. as means to encourage
export-led growth.(1)
Search
Anything Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's monetary policy has been well-managed.
Its principal challenges in 2001 are to manage strong foreign currency inflows
without sparking inflation. Inflation has, in fact, stayed under control,
registering 9.8% in 2000, and appears likely to be under 10% in 2001. Because
of its strong economic performance and financial health, Kazakhstan became
the first former Soviet republic to repay all of its debt to the IMF by paying
back $400 million in 2000; 7 years ahead of schedule. Overall foreign debt
is about $12.5 billion, $4 billion of which is owed by the government. This
amounts to 69% of GDP, well within manageable levels.The
upturn in economic growth, combined with the results of earlier tax and financial
sector reforms, dramatically improved government finances from the 1998 budget
deficit level of 4.2% of GDP to a slight surplus in 2000. Government tax revenues
grew from 16.4% of GDP in 1999 to 20.6% of GDP in 2000.(1)
Search Anything Korea *
The economy of South Korea is developed and
the 3rd largest in Asia and the 10th largest in the world, in terms of nominal
GDP as of 2006. In the aftermath of the Korean War, South Korea grew from
being one of the world's poorest countries to one of the richest. From the
mid to late twentieth century, it has enjoyed one of the fastest rates of
prolonged economic growth in modern world history. The nation’s GDP
per capita has grown from only $100 in 1963 to a record-breaking $10,000 in
1995 in less than 40 years to a fully developed $25,000 in 2007. This phenomenon
has been referred to as the "Miracle on the Han River". This "Miracle"
is continuing to this date and South Korea is still one of the fastest developing
developed country, with an average GDP growth of 5% per year - the most recent
analysis report by Goldman Sachs in 2007 shows that South Korea will become
the world's 3rd richest country by 2025 with a GDP per capita of $52,000 and
25 years later, is to surpass all countries in the world except the United
States to become the world's 2nd richest country, with a GDP per capita of
$81,000.(1)
Search
Anything Kuwait
Kuwait is a small, relatively open economy with proven crude oil reserves
of about 96 billion barrels (15 km³), i.e. about 10% of world reserves.
Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 5%
of government income. Kuwait lacks water and has practically no arable land,
thus preventing development of agriculture. With the exception of fish, it
depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be
distilled or imported. Higher oil prices reduced the budget deficit from $5.5
billion to $3 billion in 1999, and prices are expected to remain relatively
strong throughout 2000. The government is proceeding slowly with reforms.
It inaugurated Kuwait's first free-trade zone in 1999 and will continue discussions
with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country.(1)
Search Anything Latvia
Latvia
has the fastest growing economy in Europe. It has had high GDP growth since
2000. In 2003, GDP growth was 7.5% and inflation was 2.9%. Unemployment was
8.8% in 2003, almost unchanged compared to the previous two years. Privatization
is mostly complete, except for some of the large state-owned utilities. On
May 1, 2004, Latvia joined the European Union.Foreign investment in Latvia
is still modest compared with the levels in north-central Europe. A law expanding
the scope for selling land, including to foreigners, was passed in 1997. Representing
10.2% of Latvia's total foreign direct investment, American companies invested
$127 million in 1999. In the same year, the United States exported $58.2 million
of goods and services to Latvia and imported $87.9 million. Eager to join
Western economic institutions like the World Trade Organization, OECD, and
the European Union, Latvia signed a Europe Agreement with the EU in 1995--with
a 4-year transition period. Latvia and the United States have signed treaties
on investment, trade, and intellectual property protection and avoidance of
double taxation.(1)
Search Anything Lebanon
Lebanon has a competitive and free
market regime and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The Lebanese
economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism.
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange or capital movement, and bank
secrecy is strictly enforced. Lebanon has recently adopted a law to combat
money laundering. There are practically no restrictions on foreign investment.
There are no country-specific U.S. trade sanctions against Lebanon.The U.S.
enjoys a strong exporter position with Lebanon, generally ranking as Lebanon's
fourth-largest source of imported goods. More than 160 offices representing
U.S. businesses currently operate in Lebanon. Since the lifting of the passport
restriction in 1997 (see below), a number of large U.S. companies have opened
branches or regional offices, including Microsoft, American Airlines, Arthur
Andersen, Coca-Cola, FedEx, UPS, General Electric, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Cisco
Systems, Eli Lilly, Computer Associates and Pepsi Cola. Mexico has also many
enterprises run by ethnic Lebaneses, such as Carlos Slim's Telmex.(1)
Search
Anything Lithuania
The Lithuanian economy today is based
on capitalist free market principles, and has enjoyed high growth rates in
the last decade as it entered the European Union together with other Baltic
states. The government pursues a flat tax and the unemployment rate is fairly
low; these and other policies have led to the notion of a Baltic Tiger, including
the economy of Lithuania.In 2005 the GDP grew by 7.5%, and the inflation rate
was 3%.Exports to the United States make up 4.7% of all Lithuania's exports,
and imports from the United States comprise 2% of total imports. Foreign direct
investment (FDI) in 2005 was 2.6 billion litas, which represented an increase
of only 4.6% compared to the same period in the previous year.(1)
Search Anything Macau
In 1999, Macau's free-market economy
produced total exports of US$2.2 billion (MOP 17.6 billion) and consisted
mainly of textiles and garments, toys, electronic goods, and footwear. Total
imports for the same period reached US$2 billion (MOP 16.3 billion), and consisted
mostly of raw materials and semi-manufactures, consumer goods, capital goods,
and mineral fuels and oils. Total reexports were about US$317 million (MOP
2.5 billion). In 1999 positive growth rates were seen in all three categories.
Principal import trade partners in 1999 were China (35.7%), Hong Kong (18.1%),
the European Union (12.9%), Taiwan (9.5%), Japan (6.7%), the United States
(5.1%), and other countries (12%). Exports went to the United States (47%),
the European Union (30.2%), China (9.2), Hong Kong (6.8%), and other countries
(6.8%).
Economic ties to the European Union and Taiwan are considered important aspects
of Macau's economic role as part of the People's Republic of China. Direct
access to the neighboring Zhuhai Special Economic Zone facilitates trade with
mainland China. As a special administrative region, Macau functions as a free
port and as a separate customs territory.(1)
Search
Anything Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers a favourable climate to foreign investment.
Successive governments have effectively attracted new investment in medium,
light, and high-tech industry. Incentives cover taxes, construction, and plant
equipment. U.S. firms are among the most prominent foreign investors, producing
tires (Goodyear), chemicals (DuPont), glass (Guardian Industries), and a wide
range of industrial equipment. The current value of U.S. direct investment
is almost $1.5 billion, on a per capita basis--the highest level of U.S. direct
investment outside of North America.Luxembourg's
trade account has run a persistent deficit over the last decade, but the country
enjoys an overall balance-of-payment surplus, due to revenues from financial
services. Government finances are strong, and budgets are normally in surplus.(1)
Search Anything Malaysia
Malaysia is a small and relatively open economy. In 2007, the economy of Malaysia
was the 34th largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity with
gross domestic product for 2007 was estimated to be $340 billion.Malaysia
was the United States' 10th-largest trading partner and its 12th-largest export
market. During the first half of 2000, U.S. exports totaled U.S.$5 billion,
while U.S. imports from Malaysia reached U.S.$11.6 billion.The
Malaysian Government encourages Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). According
to Malaysian statistics, in 1999, the U.S. ranked first among all countries
in approved FDI in Malaysia's manufacturing sector with approved new manufacturing
investments totaling RM5.2 billion (US$1.37 billion). Principal U.S. investment
approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) was concentrated
in the chemicals, electronics, and electrical sectors. The cumulative value
of U.S. private investment in Malaysia exceeded $10 billion, 60% of which
is in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors with the rest in manufacturing,
especially semiconductors and other electronic products.In the first six months
of 2007, Malaysia's total trade increased by 2.2% to RM522.38 billion, compared
with RM511.11 billion in the same period of 2006.(1)
Search
Anything Maldives
The Maldivian economy was entirely dependent
on fishing and other marine products for many centuries. Fishing remains the
main occupation of the people and the government gives special priority to
the development of the fisheries sector.The development of tourism has fostered
the overall growth of the country's economy. It has created direct and indirect
employment and income generation opportunities in other related industries.
Today, tourism is the country's biggest foreign exchange earner, contributing
to twenty percent of the GDP. With eighty-seven tourist resorts in operation.
The year 2006 recorded 467,154 tourist arrivals.The first tourist resorts
were opened in 1972 with Bandos island resort and Kurumba Village.
The country's shipping, banking and manufacturing
sectors are growing at a considerable pace. Among the South Asian nations,
the Maldives has the second highest per-capita GDP at 3,900 USD (2002 figure).
Major trading partners include India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.(1)
Search
Anything Malta
The strengths of the Economy of Malta are its
limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force.
Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies,
and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade,
manufacturing (especially electronics), tourism and financial services. In
2003, over 1.2 million tourists visited the island.Per capita GDP of $23,200
places Malta just above the middle of the list of European Union (EU) countries
in terms of affluence. The island has joined the EU in 2004 despite having
been divided politically over the question earlier. A sizable budget deficit
was a key concern, but recent initiatives by government have changed the situation
dramatically enough for the country to be admitted into the eurozone as of
1 January 2008.(1)
Search Anything Mexico
The economy of Mexico was the 14th largest
in the world in 2006[1] with a gross domestic product (by PPP estimate) that
surpassed a trillion dollars in 2004, measured in purchasing power parity.
Mexico has a free market and export-oriented economy and is firmly established
as an upper middle-income country. According to the World Bank's latest available
figure (14 September 2007), it has the highest income per capita in Latin
America, in market exchange rates and the second in purchasing power parity.[3]
Mexico is the only Latin American member of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development.Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power
parity (PPP) in 2006 was estimated at US $1.134 trillion, and GDP per capita
in PPP at US $10,600.[1] The service sector is the largest component of GDP
at 70.5%, followed by the industrial sector at 25.7% (2006 est.). Agriculture
represents only 3.9% of GDP (2006 est.). Mexican labor force is estimated
at 38 million of which 18% is occupied in agriculture, 24% in the industry
sector and 58% in the service sector (2003 est.) (1)
Search
Anything Mongolia
Mongolia's GDP growth fell from 3.2% in 1999
to 1.3% in 2000. The disappointing results can be attributed to the loss of
2.4 million livestock in bad weather and natural disasters in 2000. Prospects
for development outside the traditional reliance on nomadic, livestock-based
agriculture are constrained by Mongolia's landlocked location and lack of
basic infrastructure. Mongolia's best hope for accelerated growth is to attract
more foreign investment. Since 1990, more than 1,500 foreign companies from
61 countries have invested a total of $338.3 million in Mongolia. Many believe
this number could be dramatically increased if the vague 1993 foreign investment
law were rewritten to provide investors with more confidence that their investments
would be adequately protected.(1)
Search
Anything Morocco
Morocco is a fairly stable economy with continuous
growth over the past half-a-century. Current GDP per capita grew 47% in the
Sixties reaching a peak growth of 274% in the Seventies. However this proved
unsustainable and growth scaled back sharply to just 8.2% in the Eighties
and 8.9% in the Nineties.Morocco counts around 60,000 companies of which 20,000
employs more than 10 employees. By 1999, 6,500 industrial companies of which
92% were Small and medium enterprises (less than 200 employees). The industrial
sector constitutes one of the pillars of the Moroccan economy and offers real
direct investment appropriatenesses, whether it is for operations of joint
venture or subcontracting. Many possibilities exist in the fields of mechanics,
metallurgy, electricity, electronics, plastics, information technologies and
communication. Other more traditional sectors like leather, textiles, chemistry
and building materials also interest foreign investors.(1)
Search
Anything Nepal
Nepal's merchandise trade balance has improved
somewhat since 2000 with the growth of the carpet and garment industries.
In FY 2000-01 exports posted a greater increase (14%) than imports (4.5%),
helping bring the trade deficit down by 4% from the previous year to $749
million. Trade with India rose rapidly after conclusion of the 1996 bilateral
trade treaty between the two countries, and now accounts for 43% of all exports.
Indian efforts to revise the treaty, which comes up for a 5-year review in
December 2001, could dampen Nepal's export growth. The annual monsoon rain,
or lack of it, strongly influences economic growth. From 1996 to 1999, real
GDP growth averaged less than 4%. The growth rate recovered in 1999, rising
to 6% before slipping slightly in 2001 to 5.5%.Strong export performance,
including earnings from tourism, and external aid have helped improve the
overall balance-of-payments situation and increase international reserves.(1)
Search Anything Netherlands
The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy
in which the government has reduced its role since the 1980s. Industrial activity
is predominantly in food-processing (for example Unilever and Heineken International),
chemicals (for example DSM), petroleum refining (for example Royal Dutch Shell),
and electrical machinery (for example Philips). In the northern place Slochteren
one of the largest natural gas fields in the world is situated. So far (2006)
exploitation of this field resulted in a total revenue of €159 billion
since the mid 1970s. N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie still is the largest public-private
partnership P3 world-wide following the global energy-transition of 1963[22]
from coal to gas, coupling oil and gas prices. With just over half of the
reserves used up and an expected continued rise in oil prices, the revenues
over the next few decades are expected to be at least that much.(1)
Search
Anything New Zealand