Countries Included: All world countries, economic regions, geographical regions
Years Covered: From 1993 to 2008
Indicators: Over 50 indicators from our database of 1,000 are currently display by Econ Stats
Data Sources: IMF, World Bank, UN, OECD, CIA World Factbook, Internet World Statistics, The Heritage Foundation and Transparency International
Last Updated: 1st August 2011
Remember always that the US Dollar is the world's reserve currency, which gives the US an inbuilt economic advantage, since dollars are needed for international trade. In effect, all other currencies are measured against the dollar. Stronger economies tend to have stronger currencies, which increases purchasing power - but if currencies get too strong, then exporters will suffer. Export-oriented economies may therefore want to keep their currencies weaker to be more competitive in international trade.