In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

This paper reviews macroeconomic developments in the Greek economy in 1995 and early 1996. During that period, the economic recovery gathered strength, driven by a strong pick-up in domestic investment. Although the recovery led to a moderate increase in employment, it did not prevent an...

This paper examines the monetary and exchange rate policies of the euro area and the trade policies of the European Union. The paper highlights that the overall economic performance of the euro area has been disappointing: growth has been weaker and inflation higher than generally expected. To a...

This paper examines Cambodia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress. The Cambodian economy grew by 5.2 percent in 2003 compared with 5.5 percent in 2002, led by continued growth in garments exports, a rebound in overall investments and an upward surge in agricultural production. The...

This Background Paper on Guinea highlights that Guinea’s relatively strong macroeconomic performance during 1987–94 allowed for an annual increase in real per capita GDP of 1 percent. On the basis of national account estimates, the growth of value added in the primary sector...

This paper describes economic developments in Brunei Darussalam during 1997–98. In 1997, the economy grew by 4 percent led by strong construction and services activities, while average inflation declined to less than 2 percent. Current expenditures were contained, and a recovery in...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix analyzes causes and consequences of real exchange rate appreciation in Albania. The paper highlights that Albania has experienced a sustained real appreciation since 1992, which appears to have been brought about by largely beneficial...

This paper assesses Uruguay’s Seventh Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion. The favorable program results reflect prudent macroeconomic policies and important banking reforms, although progress with other structural reforms...

Burundi has made much progress since the signing of the Arusha peace and reconciliation agreement. The handling of the economy has been highly competent considering the inordinate difficulties faced by Burundi in recent years. The bank of the Republic of Burundi has made progress in the...

In the fiscal area, the primary budget balance of São Tomé and Príncipe has turned around from a deficit of 2.2 percent of GDP in 1997 to a surplus of 0.7 percent of GDP in 1998 (Dobra 1.9 billion). The primary surplus is estimated to have increased further to 1.3 percent of GDP in 1999....