Diplomatic representation: none
Flag: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern
- Economy Overview: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of the economy, providing employment for over 60% of the labor force and contributing about 20% to GDP. The services sector is next in importance, based mostly on a growing tourist industry. The economy continues to have a high unemployment rate of 30% because of an overdependence on the weather-plagued banana crop as a major export earner. Government progress toward diversifying into new industries has been relatively unsuccessful.
GDP: $136 million, per capita $1,305; real growth rate 8.4% (1988)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.0% (1988)
Unemployment rate: 30% (1989 est.)
Budget: revenues $42.7 million; expenditures $67.5 million, including capital expenditures of $25.8 (FY88)
Exports: $63.8 million (f.o.b., 1986); commodities—bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch, copra; partners—CARICOM 60%, UK 27%, US 10%
Imports: $87.3 million (c.i.f., 1986); commodities—foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels; partners—US 37%, CARICOM 18%, UK 13%
External debt: $35 million (July 1987)