IMF Country Focus

• Costa Rica Prioritizes Public Health

  March 9, 2022

  

  Pura vida, the “pure life.” It’s an expression you’ll often hear in Costa Rica. One that represents the laid-back lifestyle the country is known for and gives a sense of why Costa Ricans are as happy as they are.

• UK Economy Rebounding Amid Growing Inflationary Pressures

  February 23, 2022

  

  Thanks to a rapid vaccination campaign and highly accommodative policies, the United Kingdom’s economic recovery has proceeded faster than expected. The near-term growth outlook remains strong—but so too are inflationary pressures.

• Jamaica Works to Maintain its Hard-Won Economic Stability

  February 22, 2022

  

  Prior to the pandemic, Jamaica had successfully stabilized the economy, turning a fiscal deficit of 11 percent of GDP in 2009 into a 1 percent surplus in 2019, and reducing public debt from 142 percent of GDP in 2009 to 94 percent by 2019. The stabilization paid off through a sharp decline in interest rates, and the government’s interest bill fell from 17 percent of GDP in 2009 to 6 percent in 2019.

• How South Africa Can Advance Reforms to Achieve its Climate Goals

  February 18, 2022

  

  In our recent review of South Africa’s economy we explore how to raise growth, reduce inequality and unemployment, and bolster the economy’s green credentials and climate resilience.

• El Salvador's Comeback Constrained by Increased Risks

  February 16, 2022

  

  El Salvador’s increase in public debt will constrain medium-term growth prospects given the risks associated with high and growing financing needs. In an interview with Country Focus, the IMF El Salvador team, led by Alina Carare, talks about the country’s rebound and challenges, and the decision to make Bitcoin legal tender.

• Euro Area is Recovering Strongly, But Challenges Lie Ahead

  February 7, 2022

  

  Economic policies in the euro area have forcefully supported household incomes and protected corporate balance sheets. High levels of vaccination and increasing adaptation to the pandemic have also helped to foster a strong economic recovery.

• Denmark’s Social Trust in Action

  February 2, 2022

  

  By her own count, Cordelia Chesnutt has taken at least 32 COVID tests. A negative test was a requirement each time she wanted to pursue her side passion of playing badminton once Denmark lifted its lockdowns.

• China’s Shift to Consumption-Led Growth Can Aid Green Goals

  January 27, 2022

  

  China rebounded strongly from the pandemic, but growth is losing momentum while remaining overly dependent on support from investment and exports. This imperils the nation’s long-sought transition to sustained high-quality growth that’s balanced, inclusive and green.

• New Zealand: Changing the Conversation on Well-Being

  January 26, 2022

  

  A fundamental aspect of the country’s well-being approach is the recognition that all aspects of what constitutes a good life must be considered holistically.

• Fostering Inclusion in Mexico

  January 24, 2022

  

  Mexico has long suffered from high poverty and social exclusion. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has likely exacerbated these problems, an increase in social program spending helped lessen the negative impact on employment, retail sales, and poverty.

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