This paper describes economic developments in the Central African Republic during 1990–97. After four years of decline, the real gross domestic product of the Central African Republic (GDP at market prices) recovered in 1994 at the estimated rate of 7.7 percent. This primarily reflected the...

KEY ISSUES Context: The current account is worsening, coinciding with peak debt service, limited market access, and low reserves. Although the authorities have taken ad hoc measures to curb acute exchange rate pressures during the summer, a stronger policy response is urgently needed to reduce...

KEY ISSUES Growth has continued to recover from the 2011/12 low. In an environment of declining inflation—recently halted by a drought-driven food price shock—the fiscal stimulus has been successful in driving economic activity, and a planned program of infrastructure investment is expected...

For the latest thinking about the international financial system, monetary policy, economic development, poverty reduction, and other critical issues, subscribe to Finance and Development (F and D). This lively quarterly magazine brings you in-depth analyses of these and other subjects by the...

For the latest thinking about the international financial system, monetary policy, economic development, poverty reduction, and other critical issues, subscribe to Finance & Development (F&D). This lively quarterly magazine brings you in-depth analyses of these and other subjects by the IMF’s...

Sizeable natural resource endowments and potentially large financial inflows from their extraction provide an unparalleled opportunity for economic growth and development in a growing number of sub-Saharan African countries. Empirical evidence suggests, however, that translating this resource...

Over the past two years, ongoing political transitions in many Arab countries have led to social unrest and an economic downturn. This paper examines comparable historical episodes of political instability to derive implications for the near- and medium-term economic outlook in the Arab...

"What does US aid 'buy' in the Middle East? Drawing on extensive primary source research, this book examines the role and consequences of US aid to three countries in the Middle East. The author argues that the political survival strategies of incumbent leaders in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan...