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

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

Public consumption has declined from 12 percent of GDP in 1996 to 10.8 percent in 1999 owing to fiscal consolidation: wage increases are moderate, and other current expenditures have grown slowly. Conversely, private consumption has increased from 75.2 percent of GDP in 1996 to 76.9 percent in...