Business -- 15 days ago
The 5 most exciting economies you won’t have heard of
Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
So many buzz-words and acronyms are flying around these days; BRIC economies, MINT economies, next Eleven, Asian ‘Tigers’. It’s jolly confusing and every economist or financier has their own ideas about the best countries to invest in. We’re not trying to predict the future, it’s impossible to – but we do know the five most exciting economies you won’t have heard of.
LATVIA
Latvia has a population of under two million and yet Riga, the capital city, is one of the most vibrant and forward thinking cities in Eastern Europe and is something of a tech hub. Although Latvia has a large Russian population, it’s strongly influenced by Scandinavian culture and commerce.
COLOMBIA
One a byword for drug lords and danger, Colombia is shaking off its violent past and is becoming an accessible, 21st century economy. It has just overtaken Peru as the fastest growing economy in Latin America and, with a large population and a wealth of natural resources, it will quickly become a country known for its commerce – not its crime.
ISRAEL
Although the Mediterranean nation often courts controversy due to its handling of political and military antagonists, it has slowly been building an international reputation for scientific research and has been at the forefront of technological innovation. One can only image how the country would excel if stability was brought to the region.
CAMBODIA
Cambodia is a fascinating economy for a number of reasons. Often compared with its neighbour Vietnam, Cambodia is different in almost every sense. Unlike Vietnam it has not been spoiled by urbanisation and over-fast growth and, with a respectable population of 15 million, it is enjoying a period of sustainable, environmentally aware, ‘eco’ growth.
URUGUAY
Uruguay is one of the least densely populated countries on earth and, although it covers an area of 67,574 square miles, it has a population under three and a half million people. Already an affluent nation where most enjoy a high standard of life, Uruguay has the capacity to support a much larger population and therefore cultivate a higher GDP.
