recommended catch limits for marine species. A total
of 36,460 tourists visited the Antarctic Treaty area in the 2006-07
Antarctic summer, up from the 30,877 visitors the previous year
(estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International
Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO); this does not
include passengers on overflights). Nearly all of them were
passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts
that make trips during the summer. Most tourist trips last
approximately two weeks.

Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua has a relatively high GDP per capita in
comparison to most other Caribbean nations. It has experienced solid
growth since 2003, driven by a construction boom in hotels and
housing that which should wind down in 2008. Tourism continues to
dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. The
dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the
domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a
labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and
construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for
export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and
electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium
term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized
world, especially in the US, which accounts for slightly more than
one-third of tourist arrivals. Since taking office in 2004, the
SPENCER government has adopted an ambitious fiscal reform program,
but will continue to be saddled by its debt burden with a
debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 100%.

Arctic Ocean
Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of
natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

Argentina
Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly
literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a
diversified industrial base. Although one of the world's wealthiest
countries 100 years ago, Argentina suffered during most of the 20th
century from recurring economic crises, persistent fiscal and
current account deficits, high inflation, mounting external debt,
and capital flight. A severe depression, growing public and external
indebtedness, and a bank run culminated in 2001 in the most serious
economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent
history. Interim President Adolfo RODRIGUEZ