Brazil


Population: 186,757,608  GDP: US$1,313 trillion—ranked 10^th


Brazil is the fifth largest country in area and in population. The country has recently benefited
from the global boom in commodity prices including agricultural exports such as beef and soya
beans; it also has oil and gas resources. Its industrial products such as cars, steel, computers,
aircraft and consumer goods account for 30% of GDP.


Export partners: US 17.8%, Argentina 8.5%, China 6.1%, Netherlands 4.2%, Germany 4.1% (2006)


Import partners: US 16.2%, Argentina 8.8%, China 8.7%, Germany 7.1%, Nigeria 4.3%, Japan 4.2%
(2006)



                                               China


Population: 1,321,851,888 GDP:  $3.42 trillion—ranked 3^rd


The fastest growing economy during this century with an annual growth rate of 10%. China is the
world’s largest producer of rice and also produces wheat, maize, tobacco, soybeans, peanuts and
cotton. It has large deposits of natural resources and produced a huge range of consumer products
for export.


Export partners: US 21%, Hong Kong 16%, Japan 9.5%, South Korea 4.6%, Germany 4.2% (2006)


Import partners: Japan 14.6%, South Korea 11.3%, Taiwan 10.9%, US 7.5%, Germany 4.8% (2006)



                                                UK


60,587,300 people GDP (2007): $2.772trn. (5^th largest)


The service sector accounts for 73% of GDP; it is dominated by financial services, especially
banking and insurance. The City of London is the centre of global capital; the UK is the sixth most
popular tourist destination. Manufacturing only around 16%; the strongest manufacturing sector is
pharmaceuticals. The creative industries are also growing rapidly. North Sea oil and gas supply
most of the UK’s energy needs currently.


Export partners: US 13.9%, Germany 10.9%, France 10.4%, Ireland 7.1%, Netherlands 6.3%, Belgium
5.2%, Spain 4.5% (2006)


Import partners: Germany 12.8%, US 8.9%, France 6.9%, Netherlands 6.6%, China 5.3%, Norway 4.9%,
Belgium 4.5% (2006)



                                              Nigeria


Population 148,000,000; GDP $191.4 billion—ranked 47^th


Petroleum is central to the Nigerian economy, accounting for 40% of GDP. It is the 12th largest
producer of petroleum. The country also has huge deposits of natural resources that are not
significantly expoited. Around 60% of the population work in the agricultural sector—in the 1960s
the country grew around 98% of its own food and exported food. It is now a major importer of food.
Nigeria fully paid off its external debt in April 2006.


Export partners: US 48.8%, Spain 8%, Brazil 7.3%, France 4.2% (2006)


Import partners: China 10.7%, US 8.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, UK 5.8%, France 5.6%, Brazil 5.1%, Germany
4.5% (2006)


                                            Bangladesh


Population: 150,448,340 GDP: $222.4 bn.—ranked 48^th


Traditionally Bangladesh exported jute, but this was replaced by oil-based textile fabrics and the
industry declined. Two-thirds of Bangladeshis are farmers. The most significant sector is textiles:
75% of export earnings from the garment manufacture. Bangladesh has suffered by the freeing up of
global trade and competition with low-cost producers, especially China. Remittances sent by
expatriates are also a significant contributor to the economy.


Export partners: US 25%, Germany 12.6%, UK 9.8%, France 5% (2006)


Import partners: China 17.7%, India 12.5%, Kuwait 7.9%, Singapore 5.5%, Hong Kong 4.1% (2006)


                                             Thailand


Population: 63,038,247; GDP $519.9 bn.—ranked 21st


Thailand was one of the Asian tiger in the 1980s and 1990s, enjoying record growth. The bubble
burst due to a currency crisis, leading to economy collapse towards the end of the century. Major
exports include rice, textiles and footwear, fish products and cars. Thailand is the world’s
largest exporter of rice. Tourism contributes 5% of the GDP. In recent years Thailand has taken a
route towards a self-sufficiency economy, taking a step back from export-led growth. This has
resulted in impressive human development improvements.


Export partners: US 15%, Japan 12.6%, China 9%, Singapore 6.4%, Hong Kong 5.5%, Malaysia 5.1%
(2006)


Import partners: Japan 19.9%, China 10.6%, US 7.5%, Malaysia 6.6%, UAE 5.5%, Singapore 4.4% (2006)