The industry had
recently suffered setbacks because of the continuing Japanese
slowdown; the Japanese normally make up almost 90% of the tourists.
Most food and industrial goods are imported. Guam faces the problem
of building up the civilian economic sector to offset the impact of
military downsizing.
Guatemala
Guatemala is the largest and most populous of the Central
American countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of
Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The agricultural sector accounts for
about one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the
labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. The
1996 signing of peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war,
removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, but widespread
political violence and corruption scandals continue to dampen
investor confidence. The distribution of income remains highly
unequal, with perhaps 75% of the population below the poverty line.
Ongoing challenges include increasing government revenues,
negotiating further assistance from international donors, upgrading
both government and private financial operations, curtailing drug
trafficking, and narrowing the trade deficit.
Guernsey
Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance,
etc. - account for about 55% of total income in this tiny Channel
Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly
tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Light tax and death
duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic
integration of the EU nations is changing the environment under
which Guernsey operates.
Guinea
Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural
resources, yet remains an underdeveloped nation. The country
possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is the
second-largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for
about 75% of exports in 1999. Long-run improvements in government
fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if
the country is to move out of poverty. Fighting along the Sierra
Leonean and Liberian borders, as well as refugee movements, have
caused major economic disruptions, including a loss in investor
confidence. Foreign mining companies have reduced expatriate staff,
while panic buying has created food shortages and inflation in local
markets. Guinea is not receiving multila
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