Policy Papers

Measuring the Informal Economy

Author/Editor:

Gabriel Quiros-Romero ; Thomas F Alexander ; Jennifer Ribarsky

Publication Date:

February 2, 2021

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This paper proposes a framework for measuring the informal economy that is consistent with internationally agreed concepts and methodology for measuring GDP. Based on the proposed framework, the informal economy “comprises production of informal sector units, production of goods for own final use, production of domestic workers, and production generated by informal employment in formal enterprises.” This proposed framework will facilitate preparation of estimates of the informal economy as a component of GDP.

Series:

Policy Paper No. 2021/002

Subject:

Economic sectors Employment Income Informal economy Informal employment Labor National accounts

Frequency:

occasional