This Selected Issues paper for the Republic of Armenia shows that building up fiscal space during economic expansions is crucial for the effective implementation of stimulatory policies during downturns. Armenia’s tax revenue remains one of the lowest in the region, and significantly...

This manuscript presents a theoretical cognitive game approach to analyze the potential behavior of consumers as a reaction to a government bailout plan at times of big recessions.

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that strong macroeconomic conditions and sound domestic policies have significantly improved Israel’s growth performance and prospects, notwithstanding political uncertainties and the hostilities in the north during the summer of 2006....

In a number of oil producing countries, oil revenue accounts for the majority of government revenue, but is expected to be depleted in a relatively short time frame. Ensuring that fiscal policy is on a sustainable path is thus a high priority, but political and social adjustment costs create...

This paper looks at the role Sovereign Wealth Funds have played in the Pacific Island Countries in achieving key macro-fiscal policy objectives, namely, protecting the budget from high revenue volatility and strengthening fiscal prospects. Evidence shows that the funds' effectiveness has been...

This paper considers long-term fiscal policy options in Norway, the world's fifth largest oil exporter, in light of the substantial expected increase in pension outlays. It compares the current fiscal rule, which targets a (central government structural) non-oil deficit equal to 4 percent of...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Dominica has fully recovered from the 2001–02 economic and financial crisis. Output growth has rebounded, reaching 4 percent in 2006, and it is expected to remain above trend in 2007. The rebound is driven by a pickup in tourism, recovery...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sudan’s economic growth continued to be strong in 2006. Overall real GDP increased by 12 percent, despite a lower growth in oil production than previously projected. Non-oil GDP increased by roughly 10 percent—buoyed by a continued...

The staff report for the Fourth and Fifth Reviews Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Applicability discusses Peru’s economic performance. Peru’s financial markets have only been marginally affected by recent developments in emerging markets. Although further...