IMF Country Focus

• Pacific Islands Threatened by COVID-19

  May 27, 2020

  

  Already among the most remote countries on earth, Pacific island states saw their vital economic links weakened in recent months with the evaporation of tourism, severe disruptions to international trade, and a reduction in remittances. For these countries, the COVID-19 pandemic may cut deeper than even some of the worst cyclones from years past.

• The IMF's Support for Uganda's Health Care, Most Vulnerable, Businesses, and Stability

  May 22, 2020

  

  The coronavirus pandemic has hit Uganda’s economy and population severely. The country faces a significant contraction in economic activity, including a drop in domestic demand, supply disruption, and a decline in foreign direct investment and remittances.

• COVID-19 Poses Formidable Threat for Fragile States in the Middle East and North Africa

  May 13, 2020

  

  All countries are struggling with COVID-19, but the threat is even more alarming for countries that are fragile and in conflict situations. A swift, coordinated response from the international community is necessary to avoid the worst.

• IMF Offers Emergency Support to the Balkans

  May 12, 2020

  

  The emerging economies of South-Eastern Europe that are not part of the EU, where incomes are lower, and social safety nets less developed, are particularly vulnerable to the economic and social impact of COVID-19.

• Ethiopia Steps Up Health Spending With Help From IMF Emergency Assistance

  May 6, 2020

  

  The IMF has approved US$411 million in emergency assistance for Ethiopia to help fight the coronavirus pandemic in the east African country. It also approved Ethiopia’s request for a suspension of debt service payments of about US$12 million through October under the IMF's Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust for poor countries.

• Connectedness of the Dutch Economy Leads to Lower GDP Growth Forecast

  May 4, 2020

  

  The Netherlands has one of the most internationally integrated economies inthe world. This interdependence makes the country especially vulnerable to a global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

• Nigeria’s IMF Financial Assistance to Support Health Care Sector, Protect Jobs and Businesses

  April 30, 2020

  

  The IMF has approved its largest COVID-19 emergency financing package so far—a US$3.4 billion Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for Nigeria. The country has been hit hard by the coronavirus, particularly because of the associated plunge in the price of oil—Nigeria’s top export commodity.

   

• Six Charts Show How COVID-19 Is an Unprecedented Threat to Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

  April 15, 2020

  

  Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis. One that threatens to reverse the development progress of recent years. Furthermore, by exacting a heavy human toll, upending livelihoods, and damaging business and government balance sheets, the crisis threatens to slow the region’s growth prospects for years to come.

• Malaysia: A Flourishing Fintech Ecosystem

  February 28, 2020

  

  In Malaysia, where annual economic growth has averaged just under 5 percent over the past five years, fintech is a part of everyday life. It is rapidly becoming a central part of the country’s financial sector, with considerable promise for expansion, according to new IMF analysis.

• Japan: Demographic Shift Opens Door to Reforms

  February 10, 2020

  

  Japan’s population is aging and shrinking fast. With a median age of 48.4 years, Japan’s population is the world’s oldest. The Government of Japan projects that there will be almost one elderly person for each person of working age by 2060.

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