Questions and answers about
the economy.

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How might policy-makers improve Moldova’s economic prospects?

Compared with other former Soviet territories, Moldova is an outlier in terms of its poor economic performance. Political instability, together with a heavy dependence on remittances as well as international loans, means policy-makers must work carefully to improve living standards through strategic reforms and closer alignment with Europe.

Playfair prize

Student data journalism
Aid & international development

What are the big economic challenges facing the government in Iran?

Policy-makers in Iran face numerous economic challenges. The impacts of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine – together with longer-term issues related to high unemployment, rising inflation and worsening corruption – represent a difficult puzzle for Ebrahim Raisi’s government to solve.

DATA HUB

Renewable energy jobs in the G7

Germany leads the G7 in renewable-energy employment, with 8,800 jobs per million workers.

The UK ranks near the bottom — just above Japan — with 2,950 jobs per million in the sector.

Click here to read how the target sectors in the UK’s Industrial Strategy compare across the G7.

Trade & supply chains

What effects have energy sanctions had on Russia’s ability to wage war?

Despite facing unprecedented sanctions on its energy exports, Russia continues to earn hundreds of billions of dollars a year from oil and gas – directly funding military aggression in Ukraine. While sanctions have had a noticeable impact, they have failed to end the war.

Data stories

What can Christmas dinner tell us about inflation?

Digital microdata reveal nuance in the price of the holiday season’s most important meal, while historical records highlight how the cost of key ingredients has changed over decades.

Health, physical & mental

Why should we care about obesity?

Obesity is increasing in the UK and around the world, including among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. As well as immediate health effects, obesity can have an impact on young people’s learning and future prospects.

Public spending, taxes & debt

The UK’s public finances: is it time to reform the fiscal rules?

Boosting economic growth while maintaining sustainable levels of public spending is a huge policy challenge for the UK. The government’s self-imposed fiscal rules may themselves act as a constraint. Reforming the rules could help to revive the country’s stagnant economy.

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