The Economy of the UK, GB, British Isles (or Whatever You Want to Call It!)

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 June 2010

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The UK is the 6th largest economy in the world in 2010 according to nominal GDP (current prices, US dollars) and the 8th largest in the world according to GDP (PPP). In 2010, UK’s GDP (PPP) was US$2.172 trillion or 2.982 percent of the world’s GDP.

Presently UK’s economy encompasses those of its home nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Isle of Man and the Channel Isles are also considered to be part of the British Isles but have offshore banking statuses.

As a member of the EU, the UK is part of a single market that ensures the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within member states. Nevertheless, the UK still maintains its own economy and has chosen to continue using the Pound Sterling as its national currency rather than converting to the Euro.

During its heyday as the British Empire, the UK was the largest and most influential economy in the world. As the birthplace of the first Industrial Revolution during the 18th century, the UK ushered in what economic historians agree to be the most significant event in mankind’s history. The UK was also able to be at the forefront of technological advances during this time, giving it a strong economic advantage over any other country in the world.

However as other countries began to catch up technologically wise, UK’s economy was also greatly affected by the two World Wars and the breaking up of the British Empire. Although the UK economy has since recovered, it is unlikely to reclaim its former position as the top economic power in the world.

Today, the UK economy faces another struggle to recover from the 2008 financial crisis. Presently, the recovery effort has been sluggish. Although global economic prospects appear to be improving, economic forecasts for the UK have been fairly negative. In April 2011, The IMF slashed its 2011 growth forecast for UK’s economy to 1.75 percent, its third downgrade in a year. A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also ranked UK as the slowest growing economy in the G7, with the exception of Japan.

uk economy infographic
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