Untitled Document

Understanding the different economic systems that exist in our world is very important. This information impacts government spending and determines how countries trade with each other. In the United States, The Central Intelligence Agency compiles information about every country in the world. This helps the United States when our government plans for trade, aid to countries, and even possible conflicts. Click on the detective below to see the next activity.

You are now an expert on economic systems, (just like a CIA agent)! You will use the CIA's resources to conduct your research on a select country. Complete the rest of this assignment in your tool.

Click on this link for the World Factbook.

Choose a country from the dropdown list.
Read the information about the country's economy (and government, if that helps).
Determine which type of economic system exists in that country.
Write a statement that supports your answer.

Here is an example:

Burkina Faso (Africa)

Image of a Relative Physical Map or Burkina Faso

Source: Relative physical map of Burkina Faso, CIA World Factbook

Image of a continental map of Africa that highlights Burkina Faso

Source: Continental map of Africa, CIA World Factbook

One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to periodic drought. Cotton is the main cash crop and the government has joined with three other cotton producing countries in the region - Mali, Niger, and Chad - to lobby in the World Trade Organization for fewer subsidies to producers in other competing countries.
This country has a Socialist Economic System.
Most of the population works as farmers to produce enough food for survival (subsistence).