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The article presents information on the political and economic condition in Morocco. It is stated that the Morocco government will remain weak and there will be disaffection in formal politics despite an enhancement of powers under the new constitution. It is predicted that the political scene will remain stable in 2012-16 under the rule of king, Mohammed VI.

The article presents the political outlook for Egypt for 2011-2015. It notes on the political instability being experienced by the country due to the political revolt that overthrew the administration of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has appointed a committee to amend the country's constitution. It explores the impact of the country's political crisis on its relations with the U.S. and Europe.

The article looks at the political and commercial background of Chile. Sebastián Piñera was elected president of the country during on March 11, 2010. Banco Central de Chile (BBC) decided to implement a floating exchange-rate regime but still recognizes interventions in the currency markets. The role of the Chilean government as a promoter of competition and subsidiary provider of public services is defined in the constitution.

The article presents information on the economic and political conditions in Pakistan and offers an outlook for 2010-2011. It is expected that the dynamics of the country's politics will be changed due to the approval of constitutional reforms that include the reduction of the powers of the president and improving the balance of power among influential factions. The main policies to be prioritized by the government for the forecast period include the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) and dealing with the rising inflation.

The article presents an overview on the political, economic and business outlook of the Philippines for 2009-2010. It presents an overview of the country's political scene, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo continuing constitutional reforms to replace the presidential system of the government with a parliamentary one. Meanwhile, the Economist Intelligence Unit Ltd. expects the economy to contract by 1.9% in 2009, owing to increasing concerns over remittance inflows and investment prospects.

The article discusses taxes for business and corporations in Switzerland. The country has one of lowest tax rates for corporations among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The federal government may raise tax rates but it is limited by the constitution. Income from foreign sources is considered a part of taxable income.

This publication offers information on Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic. Its legal system is based on the constitution of 1975 while its national legislature is comprised of the unicameral Vouli or parliament of 300 members, who are directly elected by a form of proportional representation for a four-year term. Political and economic outlook and forecast are also presented.

The article presents an outlook of Bolivia for February 2008, including information on the political environment, economic policy and other related topics. Government opposition movements questioned the approval of a new constitution because it failed to achieve the required two-thirds majority vote from constituent assembly members. The 2008 budget will increase approximately 65% in current central government spending.

The article focuses on the political scene in Montenegro. It mentions that the country's parliament adopted a new constitution in mid-October 2007, to end debates between ruling parties and pro-Serb opposition, over official language and state symbols issues. It informs that first round of the presidential election will be held on April 6, 2008. It investigates the controversy raised by Montenegro's signing of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) agreement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The article focuses on the political and economic policy condition, and economic performance of Bolivia as of January 2008. It states that the new constitution was immediately denounced as unlawful and nothing more than a draft bill approved internally by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS). Meanwhile, a steep rise in the rate of consumer price inflation in 2007 showed no signs of moderating in November, when the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 1.23 percent in December.

The article provides an overview of the political conditions in Brazil as of November 2007. Senator Renan Calheiros' resignation does not affect the transaction of amendment for the Contribuicao Provisoria sobre Movimentacao Financeira (CPMF) tax reform. The support of the Partido do Movimento Democratico Brasileiro (PMDB) accounts for the realization of the plan of the government. Further, such support of the PSDB leads to the promotion of a broad fiscal reform to lessen tax burden.

The article provides an overview of the political conditions in Turkey as of November 2007. Negotiations and debate since the end of September have continued regarding thenew civilian constitution that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is proposing in place of teh military-inspired 1982 constitution. A referendum was held on the AKP's constitutional amendments on October 21, 2007.

The article discusses the political status of Thailand as of October 2007, including an outlook for 2008-2009. The Council for National Security (CNS) has succeeded in putting up Thailand's new constitution which was approved on August 19, 2006. A general elections is scheduled to take place on December 23, 2007. General Sonthi Boonyaratglin retired from his post as CNS chairman and army chief, and the supreme court issues an arrest warrant for Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and his wife Potjaman.

The article offers information on the political scene in Montenegro. It mentions that a stabilization and association agreement (SAA) has been signed between the European Union (EU) and Montenegro. It reports that the parliamentary committee has been charged with drawing up a new constitution after adopting a draft text in absence of opposition representatives. It informs that the Council of Europe is concerned about the position of ethnic minorities in the constitutional draft.

This publication presents political and economic outlook for Thailand in 2008-2009. Its parliamentary election is scheduled on December 23, 2007. Developments in the domestic political scene including a referendum on the military-drafted constitution are given. This entry also includes information on the country's international relations, economic policy trends and predictions on economic growth.

The article discusses the political condition in South Korea in 2007. The relations between President Roh Moo Hyun and the ruling Uri Party is worsening and both are losing in opinion polls. Uri lawmakers are fearing that the party has no chance in the presidential and parliamentary elections unless it will reinvent itself. Meanwhile, President Roh proposed the revision of the constitution to change the present single five-year presidential term to four years with a re-election.

This section presents information on Egypt. The official name of the country is Arab Republic of Egypt. The nation's legal system is based on the 1971 constitution. The head of state is the president. There is a decline in the country's budget deficit. Strong domestic demand contributed to gross domestic product growth.

The article provides information on the political condition in Russia. In July 2006, Rodina and the Russian Party of Life have announced a merger. Meanwhile, Yabloko and the Union of Rightist Forces appear to have little chance of providing any effective opposition. The latest initiative to change the constitution came in late July 2006 from Chechen Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov and the Chechen parliament.

The article looks at the political conditions in Estonia. The initiative for agreeing a single candidate in advance came from the country's three centre-right parties such the Pro Patria Union and Res Publica and the centrist Social Democratic Party. It mentions that the government ratified the European Union's constitutional treaty on May 9 by a majority of 73 to 1.

Presents a political and economic risk assessment of Iraq as of April 2006. Actions being taken by the government to reduce violence; Changes in the political dynamics of the government and the constitution; Actions that should be taken by the government to encourage greater co-operation from other countries in policing their side of the border.

The article provides a political and economic outlook for Bolivia in 2006-2007. It is assumed that the redrafting of the constitution will not damage the government's legitimacy because of president Evo Morales' clear popular mandate. There is still significant uncertainty over the economic policies that will be implemented by political party Movimiento al Socialismo. The economic forecast for the current-account surplus in 2005 is revised from 4.3 percent to 5 percent of gross domestic product.

Offers a political forecast for Iraq for 2006. Proposal for deliberation on the controversial clauses of the constitution; Information on the Sunni Arab militants; Periodic clashes between coalition troops and Shia militias.

The article reports on the political conditions in Spain as of February 2006. The approval of a proposed self-governing statute by the regional parliament of Catalonia was widely seen as an attempt to move towards independence from Spain, in breach of the country's constitution. Prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero announced a compromise deal with the main Catalan nationalist coalition, the right-of-center Convergence & Union which eliminates from the proposal the definition of Catalonia as a nation and the creation of a bilateral financial relationship between the region and the rest of Spain. The Spanish government has shown little interest for conflict on secondary fronts. The investigation of Islamist fundamentalism continues to produce a constant arrests.

The article features Romania. The country is a parliamentary republic whose new constitution was adopted in 1991 and 2003. Its current head of state in 2006 is President Traian Basescu. In November 2005, parliament approved the budget projections for 2006 which included a consolidated budget deficit target of 0.5% of gross domestic product.

The article presents an outlook for the economic and political status in Iraq in 2006-2007. The politics in the country is expected to be unstable throughout the period. Two factors will help the majority of Shia Arabs and the Kurds keep committed to reaching accommodation within the government, including the approval of the constitution. Growth of oil production on a sustainable basis is the major economic goal of the country.

The article presents an outlook for the political condition in Iraq in 2006-2007. The country is expected to be unstable throughout the period. Sunni Arabs are not in favor of the approval of the constitution. Cooperation of Iraqi Sunni Arabs to the political process will increase the political stability in the country.

Provides an economic and political outlook for Iraq for 2006-2007. Possibility of rejecting the country's draft constitution by the Sunni Arab community; Forecast on the outcome of the referendum in Iraq in October 2005; Increase in international oil prices.

Provides a political outlook for Iraq for 2006-2007. Possibility of rejecting the country's draft constitution by the Sunni Arab community; Issue on federalism; Significance of the informal pact between the majority Shia and the Kurds; Forecast on the results of the constitutional referendum in Iraq in October 2005.

Offers a look at political conditions in Iraq as of September 2005. Progress in the deliberations on the constitution among major political groups; Issues on federalism that must be overcome by the political groups; Implications of the increased political participation by the Sunni Arabs for the future of the country.

Discusses practical politics in Taiwan under president Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Constitutional reform efforts; Three-branch or five-branch government; Choice between presidential and cabinet systems; First-round constitutional changes that have passed into law; Party leadership elections; Relations with China. INSET: The speaker of the Legislative Yuan remains an influential figure.

Provides information on the political conditions in France. Details on the progress of various structural reforms in the country; Ratification of the European Union constitution; Factors influencing the rise on the level of unemployment rate.

The right-of-centre coalition secured a comfortable victory in the election in February, but the start of its second mandate has been less propitious, with several gaffes caused by top ministers. Fortunately for the government the opposition has been weakened since the election by the resignation of the leaders of the Social Democratic Party and the Socialist Peoples Party. The government has announced that a referendum to ratify the EU constitution will be held on September 27th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the political and economic conditions in Hong Kong, China. It is looking likely that Hong Kong's thief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, will retire early some time in 2005. Proposals for constitutional reform are due to be published in 2005, although how this will be affected by Tung's exit remains uncertain. However, a more competent head of government may be better placed to reach a middle-ground consensus with the democratic parties. The economic recovery is continuing, but gross domestic product growth will slow to 4.6% this year from 7.6% in 2004 in line with trends in the U.S. and China.

Provides information on the Commonwealth of Australia. Political and economic condition as of February 2005; Information on the free-trade agreement with the U.S. and Thailand; Information on the fiscal and monetary policy of the country.

Presents information on the status of the political system and stability of the Republic of Portugal as of January 2005. Factors that contribute to the dissolution of the parliament; Impact of the election on February 20, 2005 on the government; Information on the referendum regarding the new constitution on the European Union.

The article discusses the economic and political issues related to Lebanon during 2005-06. The decision to amend the constitution to allow the president, Emile Lahoud, to remain in office for a further three years has weakened Lebanon's outlook significantly. It is estimated that the economy will have grown by around 3.5% this year in real terms, accelerating to about 4% in 2005 and 2006. Having risen by almost 50% year on year during 2003, export earnings, according to interim data for 2004, have continued to perform well, gaining a further 25% in the first half of the year.

This article discusses the political developments in Colombia. The president, Alvaro Uribe, continues to enjoy high approval ratings of over 70%"unprecedented levels for a Colombian president entering his third year in office. His popularity stems from his strong leadership, tangible improvements in public security and economic recovery. Efforts by his political allies in Congress to change the Constitution and allow him to stand for re-election gathered momentum in the third quarter. The majority of the PC is supporting Mr. Uribe.s re-election in return for pledges of posts and increased influence in policymaking.

Discusses political conditions in Italy as of October 2004. Tensions in the Casa delle Liberta coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi; Chamber of Deputies' approval in October 2004 of a reform of the Italian constitution, which aims to transform Italy into a federal republic; Objections to the government's judicial system reform bill; Designation of Rocco Buttiglione as the commissioner for justice, freedom and security.

Reports on the economic and political outlook of Lebanon for 2004-2005. Impact of the decision to extend the term of President Emile Lahoud; Effect of the delay of policy initiatives; Enhancement of the position of the prime minister.

The centre-left Labour government continues to suffer from the perception that it misled voters over the reasons for supporting the US-led war on Iraq in early 2003. The UK's relations with the EU, for example, could be headed for crisis if British voters choose to reject the recently agreed EU constitution in a referendum that the government only called because it was domestically expedient. The latest evidence of the domestic damage wrought by Mr Blair's support for the US-led war on Iraq was provided by the results of the local and European elections held on June 10th. Although the party remains committed to EU membership, the strength of its commitment has weakened over the past decade as the ranks of Eurosceptics have swelled.

Presents political and economic outlook for China for 2004-2005. Plan of the government to include protection of human rights in the constitution; Dispute with the U.S. over surging trade surplus; Dominance of the Chinese Communist Party.

The government held a series of bilateral meetings with most EU member states in an attempt to put negotiations on agreeing a constitution for the Union back on track after they collapsed in December. A number of incidents of open dissent from the government backbenches over 18 months have undermined the authority of the prime minister. Most serious was the opposition to health reform plans agreed at cabinet level by the defence minister, Michael Smith. He was admonished, but kept his job. The election to the regional assembly in the UK-ruled province of Northern Ireland has resulted in the centrist parties on both sides of the sectarian divide being overtaken by their more extreme counterparts. A review of the six-year-old agreement underpinning the devolved power-sharing deal began in early February. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at the political situation in Afghanistan. Main points of its constitution drafted by delegates at Loya Jirga, a traditional gathering of tribal chiefs and elders; Changes in women's rights in the country; Statistics of U.S. soldiers who died in Afghanistan; Information on the terrorist attacks against Afghan civilians and aid workers; Concerns regarding the regrouping of Taliban.

Reports on the political and economic conditions of Afghanistan as of February 2004. Measures being taken to improve the security situation in the country; Form of state; Main political organizations; Sources of gross domestic product; Disagreements over the constitution adopted on January 26, 2004.

Focuses on the economic forecast for Hong Kong, China for 2004 to 2005. Tung Chee-hwa's setting up of a task force to consult widely on constitutional reforms; Proposals for goods and service tax; Decline of unemployment rate.

Mishaps, unforced errors and general mismanagement have further damaged the government's credibility. Negotiations on a new EU constitution have entered an end-phase, although they are unlikely to be concluded before January 2004, when Ireland takes over the rotating presidency of the EU for six months. Efforts to revive the stalled Northern Ireland peace process faltered at the last moment in late October, but elections to the province's suspended assembly are to go ahead nevertheless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the political forecasting of Turkey for 2012-2016. It states that the Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by the prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is expected to remain in government until the next general election in 2015. It mentions that the AKP is seeking to introduce a civilian-friendly constitution to replace the current one, which was drafted in 1982 under the guidance of the military and still fails to protect minority and individual rights.

The article offers information on development in the political condition of Nigeria as of December 2011. A committee was formed by President Goodluck Jonathan to review measures for updating the Nigerian constitution. It notes that the constitutional amendment will be influenced by the approach to constitution-making which is based on a view of politics as a competition for power between geo-political groups. The alleged involvement of Boko Haram in an uprising is also discussed.

The article discusses political outlook for Thailand from 2012 to 2016. The new Thai government, which is led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, is expected to be influenced by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Democratic Party (DP) is accusing the Puea Thai party of violating Article 97 of the country's constitution and has already taken legal action. It is said that the victory of Puea in the July 2011 election has improved Thailand's relations with Cambodia.

The article reports on the outlook for the Philippine politics from 2011 to 2015. It suggests that the victory of President Benigno Aquino III in the May 2010 presidential election indicates that the country is on course for a period of relative political stability. It reveals the possibility that Aquino will run again in the May 2016 election if his supporters will attempt to revise the constitution. It relates the importance of the country's relation with the U.S. in 2011 to 2015.