Real gross domestic product growth averaged 2.25 percent a year from 1981 to 1993; slipped to 2 percent from 1993 to 2003; and now stands at about 1 percent.

Danger Zone: Europe - A € 750bn rescue package has bought time to prevent the single currency's collapse but, with its unorthodox and potentially inflationary measures, it comes with great risk.

Danger Zone: Europe