This article is a blank template based on the Economy of Europe article, therefore many headings and dates etc. are unnessecary as they reflect key dates and happenings in Europe's economic history.
The economy of North America comprises more than 440 million people in 23 states. It is marked by a sharp division between the northern English speaking countries of Canada and the United States, which are two of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world and the countries of Central America and the Carribean that are quite poor. Mexico lies between these two extremes. While a part of NAFTA and a member of the OECD it remains much poorer than its northern neighbours.
Economic development
to be completed - dates taken from European version, need to be changed to reflect major economic changes in North America
1945-1990
1991-2003
2004
Future
Regional variation
to be completed
Trade blocs
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a group of Pacific Rim countries who meet with the purpose of improving economic and political ties. APEC's stated goals are aimed at free and open trade and investments by cutting tariffs between zero to five percent in the Asia-Pacific area for industrialised economies by 2010 and for developing economies by 2020.
The organisation has members from four continents, those from North America are Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Caribbean Community
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was created "To provide dynamic leadership and service, in partnership with Community institutions and Groups, toward the attainment of a viable, internationally competitive and sustainable Community, with improved quality of life for all".
By the end of 2005 thirteen of the organisation's 15 full members, will have formed the Caribbean (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME ).
Central American Free Trade Agreement
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is an agreement between the United States and the Central American countries of Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The treaty is aimed at promoting free trade between its members. Canada and Mexico are negotiating membership.
North American Free Trade Agreement
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States to eliminate tariffs on goods traded between themselves.
Although currently only a trade agreement, with no supranational bodies or laws as in the European Union, all three members support proposals to move towards an EU style organisation.
Currency
Below is a list of the currencies of North America, with exchange rates between each currency and both the Euro and US Dollars as of 17th November 2004.
Table correct as of 17th November 2004
Economic sectors
Agriculture
to be completed
Manufacturing
to be completed
Investing and banking
to be completed
Global trade relations
Economy by country
See also