Italy's Economic Growth

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Italy, positioned in southeastern Europe, is a beautiful country that is faced with high unemployment, corruption and massive debt. Although it appears to be one of the most developed countries in Europe, Italy is somewhat of a laggard in globalization. Ranking twenty-third in world population, Italy stands at 56,126,212 people as of July 2009. The north and south seem to be split in economic terms with the north being well developed industrially and the south facing high unemployment and poverty. Italy is a democratic republic that replaced a monarchy back in 1946. Although it ranks seventh in world GDP and public debt and attracts millions of tourists every year, its current debt to GDP ratio continues to skyrocket. World economists are beginning to wonder if Italy will be able to survive the aftermath of the U.S. housing and credit crisis without defaulting on its debt. Even though Italy is known for its diversity in civilization and political principles, slow economic growth and an unstable political arena cause the country to fall behind in terms of global trade. Its economic forecasts and equity markets have taken a hit in the last quarter of 2009. Many say the cause of these horrific economic numbers are the global competition that Italy faces in its low-end industrial product segment.

Politically, Italy has the structure of a parliament system, in which its executive powers are delegated through the Council of Ministers. This Council is led by the “primo ministro” or “prime minister.” Italy’s current prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi was recently attacked by a emotionally unstable extremist. He was hit in the face repeatedly suffering a facial contusion by a northern extremist. The international character of I...

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...nefits. Italy’s unemployment rate has steadily decreased for the past ten years from 11.5% in 1999, to 7% in 2007.

Economists predict real GDP growth will be below expectations again in 2010 and that a further halt in 2008 will result reflecting the impact of higher inflation, international financial insecurity and the appreciation of the euro. Its public debt is at nightmare proportions and continues to rise, and to this day remains well above 115% of GDP. (Economist.com - Italy)

I believe that Italy will continue to have sluggish economic growth within the foreseeable future. The widespread corruption, organized crime and massive debt will cause Italy’s slow expansion. When the government works to lower the high tax burden on citizens and bring the country out of its budget deficit, we will see Italy’s political and economic prospects flourish once again.

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