7 Best Countries to Invest In

Posted in World Affairs by Kevin | Tags: country, Economy, Investments, World Affairs

The dawn of a new decade brings about new and exciting economic adventures. The globalization of the world economy and the development of previously underdeveloped countries allows for hungry investors to exploit new markets. However, some of these countries have ongoing civil and economic problems that make them a hazardous investment.

SmarterSpend has compiled a list of top ten ‘traditionally less known’ countries where investments can prove highly beneficial- whether it is a business or a real estate purchase. These countries are in no particular order.

Scroll through and let us know what you think.

1. Belarus

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 8.0 / 10

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 10.0 %

GDP: $118 billion

Population: 9.6 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.817

Government: Presidential Republic

Exports: machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, metals; textiles, foodstuffs

Imports: mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, metals

Natural Resources: Forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

2. Brazil

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 10.0 / 10

(+ for diverse economy, stable government, low threat of war/civil unrest, GDP growth, vast untapped natural resources, labor force, upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics)

The Tidbits:

Brazil’s economy is the tenth largest in the world, but with a constant increase and a large population, it will be a focus of international investments in the future. Brazil has a strong agricultural sector fueled by coffee and soybean exports, oil reserves, industrial capability (VALE is a huge mining company), and petrochemicals. The trade balance is positive and there is no reliance on a single trading partner. The 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, arguably the most international events in the world will be held in Brazil.

Look for Brazil to be in the news in the recent future as investors flock there.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 5.1 %

GDP: $1.6 trillion

Population: 192 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0 .813

Government: Presidential Federal Republic

Exports: transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos, automotive parts, machinery

Imports: machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil, automotive parts, electronics

Natural Resources: Forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay

3. Slovakia

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 8.5 / 10

(+ for diverse economy, stable government, low threat of war/civil unrest, GDP growth. – for landlocked, – for negative growth rate)

The Tidbits:

Slovakia is a post-communist country in Central Europe and a member of EU, EuroZone, and NATO. Its economy is marked with the lowest income disparity in the world and foreign investment oriented laws. 1.6 million tourists visited Slovakia in 2006 as it features a beautiful natural landscape and rich cultural heritage marked. The southern part of Slovakia (bordering with Hungary) is known for its rich farmland. Growing wheat, rye, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, grains, fruits and sunflowers. Vineyards are concentrated in Little Carpathians, Tokaj, and other southern regions. The breeding of livestock, including pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry is also important.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 6.1 %

GDP: $119 billion

Population: 5.3 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.88

Government: Parliamentary Republic

Exports: Automobiles (16%), iron and steel (9.5%), and refined petroleum products (6.5%) apparel (4.3%), motor vehicle parts and accessories (3.6%)

Imports: consumer goods, 12.3%; food, 4.5%; fuels, 17.6%; industrial supplies, 30.6%; machinery, 19.9%; transportation, 15.0%; and other imports, 0.1%.

Natural Resources: Brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land

4. Argentina

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 9.0 / 10

(+ for diverse economy, stable government, low threat of war/civil unrest, GDP growth, high literacy rate, – for wide income disparity)

The Tidbits:

Argentina may be the most European influenced country in the Western Hemipshere, with 93% of the population coming from European ancestry. Argentina has a very high literacy rate and was considered one of the richest countries in the world in the start of the 20th century. Foreign nationals hold $76 billion worth of investments in Argentina and the country is open to moderate amounts of migration. Also, the country has rich mineral deposits and arable farmland.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 6.97 %

GDP: $578 billion

Population: 40 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.86

Government: Federal Presidential Republic

Exports: Soybeans and byproducts, 23.4%; cereals (mostly maize and wheat), 9.7%; motor vehicles and parts, 9.3%; refined fuels, 6.5%; chemicals, 6.2%; aluminum and steel, 4.9%; natural gas and petroleum, 4.4%; other industrial products, 11.1%; all other (mostly processed agricultural products), 24.5%.

Imports: Industrial and computing machinery and parts, 39.4%; industrial supplies, 35.2%; automobiles and other consumer durables, 12.8%; refined fuels and lubricants, 7.5%; all other (mostly consumer non-durables), 5.1%

Natural Resources: Fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

5. Panama

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 8.0 / 10

(+ for diverse economy, stable government, GDP growth, – reliance on few trading partners, large trade deficit)

The Tidbits:

Panama, an American invention, is a fully dollar based market economy with an emphasis on the banking and tourism sectors. Its near future economy will be bolstered by tolls from the Panama Canal rebuilding project, which will allow for twice the number of ships to pass. Unemployment is minimal and the country exports heavily to the United States.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 9.21 %

GDP: $42 billion

Population: 3.3 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.840

Government: Constitutional Democracy

Exports: $10.29 billion: bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, and clothing

Imports: $15 billion: capital goods, foodstuffs, chemicals, consumer and intermediate goods

Natural Resources: Copper, Mahogany Forests, Shrimp, Hydropower

6. Romania

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 8.5 / 10

(+ for diverse economy, stable government, GDP growth, trade surplus, numerous trading partners, rich in natural resources – irregular government planning)

The Tidbits:

Romania is a EU member that has recently shown high growth rates and development, and the 11th largest economy in Europe. The country has high per capita incomes and a growing middle class. It has declining oil reserves but enough mineral output to supply its industry. The country is planning on extending its highway system and has a strategic location in SE Europe, where it is an important stop for commerce. Also, a tertiary economy is present with 51% of the GDP coming from the service sector.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 9.37 %

GDP: $270 billion

Population: 22 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.837

Government: Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic

Exports: agricultural products, chemicals, footwear, fuels, machinery, metal products and textiles

Imports: machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Natural Resources: Petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land,
hydropower

7. Dominican Republic

SmarterSpend Investment Rating: 8.5 / 10

(+ for free trade zone earnings, stable government, GDP growth, availability of labor, rich in natural resources

– resource mismanagement, reliance on remittances, energy shortage )

The Tidbits:

The Dominican Republic is the second largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America. It is now the largest tourist destination in that area and mostly serviced based, although sugar cane and ferronickel production are one of the major sources of revenue for the country. Underdeveloped energy and fishing sectors are the prime areas for future investment, along with a booming tourism sector. DR trades heavily with the United States, although it has been diversifying in recent years with Japan, Venezuela, and Mexico.

2008- 2009 GDP Growth Rate: 9.37 %

GDP: 10.7% (2006), 9.1% (2007)

Population: 10.1 million

Human Development Level (HDI): 0.777

Government: Democratic Republic

Exports: ferronickel, sugar, gold, silver, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, meats, consumer goods

Imports: foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Natural Resources: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, fisheries