s of all Haitians
depend on the agriculture sector, which consists mainly of
small-scale subsistence farming. Following legislative elections in
May 2000, fraught with irregularities, international donors -
including the US and EU - suspended almost all aid to Haiti. The
economy shrank an estimated 1.2% in 2001 and an estimated 0.9% in
2002. Suspended aid and loan disbursements totaled more than $500
million at the start of 2003. Haiti also suffers from rampant
inflation, a lack of investment, and a severe trade deficit. The
resumption of aid flows from all donors will alleviate but not end
the nation's bitter economic problems. Extensive civil strife in
early 2004, marked by the flight of President ARISTIDE, further
impoverished Haiti.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
No indigenous economic activity,
but the Australian Government allows limited fishing around the
islands.
Holy See (Vatican City)
This unique, noncommercial economy is
supported financially by an annual contribution from Roman Catholic
dioceses throughout the world, as well as by special collections
(known as Peter's Pence); the sale of postage stamps, coins, medals,
and tourist mementos; fees for admission to museums; and the sale of
publications. Investments and real estate income also account for a
sizable portion of revenue. The incomes and living standards of lay
workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city
of Rome.
Honduras
Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Western
Hemisphere with an extraordinarily unequal distribution of income
and massive unemployment, is banking on expanded trade privileges
under the Enhanced Caribbean Basin Initiative and on debt relief
under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. While
the country has met most of its macroeconomic targets, it has failed
to meet the IMF's goals to liberalize its energy and
telecommunications sectors. Growth remains dependent on the status
of the US economy, its major trading partner, on commodity prices,
particularly coffee, and on reduction of the high crime rate.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on
international trade. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw
materials must be imported. Imports and exports, including
reexports, each exceed GDP in dollar value. Even before Hong Kong
reverted to Chinese administrati
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