Project You can work in groups (up to 3 students)
Due to April 29th one submission per group
Note: Please coordinate with each other and make sure that you have a group (or will make the project
by yourself) and pick a country in advance (different groups are not allowed to pick the same country).
(You could use the Google Doc to “book” a country and list names of students in each group:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-
CGJrZ1e2SYFsp1LyPCe2xrZYz0pYjRM39Eg9Lj0tFE/edit?usp=sharing)
You are asked to write an essay, up to two pages in length. Pick a country (except the US).
a) Describe its current state of the Economy using various indicators that we’ve learned during
Macro classes (GDP, inflation rate, unemployment rate, interest rate, government spending…).
You might be able to determine in which part the economy is doing well and where the real
hurdles are. Write a brief discussion of the recent state of the economy of the country.
b) Analyze the economic indicators during the pandemic period (2020-2021) and during the prepandemic
period. Using the appropriate graphs and charts show how these indicators have
changed. Show which indicators worsened and which indicators have improved. In addition,
document what was the response of authorities to cope with the pandemic-induced shock.
c) Prepare presentation and present your country report during one of the classes in May.
Tips:
- Provide appropriate figures. For presenting the evolution of an indicator, you might use a time
series plot. Clearly define each indicator that you are analyzing.
- Clearly indicate references to the source of information you are using.
- Rely only on trusted sources! Webpages like Wikipedia and Economics Memes will not work!
You might cite sources, such as academic or non-academic journals or reports (e.g. OECD reports,
The Economist, The Independent, Bloomberg etc.), blogs of professional economists (Krugman,
Stiglitz, Romer etc.).
- Most probably, you will find that there are opposing views regarding the government actions.
Your task is to describe major prevailing opinions, critically evaluate, and provide your
suggestions about the government policy.