World in figures Countries.docxVIP

EuropeAustriaGDP growth:?1.5%GDP per head:?$48,260 (PPP: $45,340)Inflation:?1.8%Budget balance (% GDP)?-2.7Population:?8.5mThe governing coalition of the centre-left Social Democratic Party and the centre-right Austrian People’s Party retained their parliamentary majority in September 2013 elections, but re-establishing their “grand coalition” is not a given. A more conservative government could emerge in light of gains for right-wing parties. Either way, the government will support jobs and entrepreneurship, and run a tight budget. The economy, which narrowly avoided a recession while the euro crisis was at its height, will rally modestly in line with the rest of the currency zone.BelgiumGDP growth:?0.5%GDP per head:?$47,150 (PPP: $42,890)Inflation:?2.3%Budget balance (% GDP)?-3.0Population:?10.7mThe six-party coalition government, cobbled together 18 months after an inconclusive election in 2010, will survive until voters return to the polls in June. But with fault lines between the French-speaking and Flemish constituencies deepening, another bout of instability awaits. A similar coalition, representing leading parties from both communities but excluding the New Flemish Alliance, the Flemish cheerleader and leading vote-getter in 2010, is the likely outcome. The share-out of power at the national level (or the outright dismantling of the country) will overshadow more practical policy issues, but the economy will emerge from recession.BulgariaGDP growth:?2.2%GDP per head:?$7,530 (PPP: $14,400)Inflation:?2.3%Budget balance (% GDP)?-1.8Population:?7.2mThe ruling alliance between the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) lacks a clear majority in the legislature and relies on the ultra-nationalist Ataka (Attack) party to govern, weakening its legitimacy at home and abroad. Formed in May 2013 after public protest toppled its predecessor, the BSP/MRF government is unlikely to see out its four-year term, and 2014 may prove to be