Economy of the United States

The Economy of the United States is the largest and one of the most technologically advanced national economies in the world, with a per capita GDP of $40,100. In this capitalist, market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace with taxes collected from firms and individuals. Business firms in the U.S. enjoy considerably less regulation than firms in many other states concerning decisions to expand capital plant, lay off workers, and develop new products, but there is a debate about how much relative regulation exists in the United States in the era of globalization. American firms are at or near the forefront in technological research and development, especially in computers, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace, although some advantages have narrowed since the end of World War II. The United States has transformed from being the world's largest creditor to having substantial fiscal and trade deficits; the significance of these deficits is disputed by economists.

External links

• CIA - The World Factbook - United States
• Outline of the U.S. Economy
• U.S. Census Bureau
• U.S. Dept of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Dept of Commerce - Bureau of Economic Analysis
• FRB: Z.1 Release-- Flow of Funds Accounts of the United States, Release Dates
• OECD's United States country Web site and OECD Economic Survey of the United States