Slight economic growth in the country between 1980 and 2007 and unresolved social problems involving inequality and poverty "demonstrate how the Guatemalan economic model has failed", the Report states.

The document further indicates that the country has had economic growth levels below average world and regional figures of 2.7 percent between 1980 and 2007, According to the study "they will require 27 years to double their Gross National Product (GNP)"

However, the country continues to be the largest economy in the region, although when the GNP is calculated by person (US$2 thousand 250); it is lower than Costa Rica (US$4 thousand 980) and El Salvador (US$2 thousand 680).

The Guatemalan economic model adopted back in the 1980's sought greater growth and a spillover of wealth by deregulating markets, reducing the size of government and its participation in the economy, as well as...

Source: prensalibre.com

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Human Development: Lights and Shadows in the Region

December 2020

At the end of 2020, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador remained at the bottom of the Human Development Index ranking, while Costa Rica and Panama were better evaluated.

The report entitled The Next Frontier, Human Development and the Anthropocene, which was published on December 15, 2020 at the global level, updates the Human Development Index (HDI) that is calculated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Nicaragua: Unemployment Could Rise to 9%

April 2020

Given the threat of a deepening economic recession in the country, resulting from the outbreak of covid-19, it is estimated that by the end of the year the open unemployment rate could rise to 9.2%.

In the context of the health crisis, an increase in poverty levels will also be reported, and the GDP per capita indicator will decrease, explains the "Informe de Coyuntura, Abril 2020", prepared by the Nicaraguan Foundation for Economic and Social Development (Funides).

Panama Grew by 5.8% in 2015

March 2016

The country's output in nominal terms amounted to $52,132 million, up 5.8% over 2014, less than the 6.1% recorded in the previous period rate.

From a report issued by the National Institute of Statistics and Census:

The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) presents the estimated figures for gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices and in linked volume measurements with reference to 2007, by economic activity, corresponding to 2015.

Slight Recovery in Employment at Salvadoran Industries

November 2010

In the first ten months of the year the industrial sector recovered 6,500 jobs.

The industrial subsector with the biggest recovery has been textiles, however, despite the improvements, it is stressed that working conditions in the country are still poor.

According to William Pleitez, coordinator of the United Nations Human Development Program (UNDP) in the country, one of every two people is underemployed or unemployed.