[A-List] East and West Germany

["DoC" <donaloc@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A chairde,

I noticed that there have been references to a few decent articles in
the WSJ over the past day or so. I just wanted to highlight a useful
article in today's Financial Times (of London). It's not available
on-line but the statistics are quite informative. Here are a few useful
stats - of course, they need context but we can all provide that.

Le meas,
Domhnall.

Population
1991 West 61.9m East 18.1m
2003 West 65.6m East 17.0m

GDP Growth (Real) % Average
1992-95 West 0.5 East 7.9
1996-03 West 1.3 East 1.0

GDP Growth (Real excl. Construction) % Average
1992-95 West 0.6 East 3.4
1996-03 West 1.6 East 3.9

Unemployment Rate
1991 (End) West 5.8 East 16.5
2004 (August) West 8.4 East 18.3

Results of Eurobarometer Survey:
% Respondents agreeing with the following statements:

(2003) Democracy is the best form of government: West 92 East 78
(2003) Democracy is the best form of government for Germany: West 80
East 49
(2003) Socialism is a good idea that was poorly implemented: West 52
East 76
(2000) I am satisfied with the functioning of democracy: West 60 East 38
(2003) I am satisfied with the functioning of democracy: West 66 East 32