TRAVEL & COUNTRY SITES

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 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