Economy Overview
Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy and mitigate high unemployment. The government’s elevated debt levels have limited its capacity to finance any shortfalls.
Agriculture Products
bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish
Industries
food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair
Industrial Production Growth Rate
3.2% (2016 est.)
Labor Force
196,100 (2007 est.)
Unemployment Rate
12.4% (2015 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line
30% (2000 est.)
Household Income or Consumption by Percentage Share
Lowest 10%: 1.9%
Highest 10%: 40.6% (2000)
Budget
Revenues: $433.6 million
Expenditures: $473 million (2016 est.)
Public Debt
120.8% of GDP (2015 est.)
Central Bank Discount Rate
7.5% (31 December 2009)
Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate
Stock of Narrow Money
$557.5 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Broad Money
$1.526 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Domestic Credit
$1.324 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Market Value of Publicly Traded Shares
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$494.5 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt External
$1.52 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment at Home
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment Abroad
Exchange Rates
85.82 (2012 est.)
