Inflation: 4.1%

Budget Balance (% GDP): - 9.0

Population: 60.0m

The president, Cyril Ramaphosa, will have his hands full sustaining a post-pandemic
economic rebound, forestalling a debt crisis via spending cuts, preventing land reform
from becoming a land grab and just keeping the lights on. He will face resistance from
elements in the ruling African National Congress. The findings of a major anti-
corruption report are due in March.

Syria

GDP growth: - 1.7%

GDP per head: $1,400 (PPP: $ 3,780)

Inflation: 54.5%

Budget Balance (% GDP): - 6.9

Population: 16.3m

Recession brought on by the pandemic will persist in an economy ravaged by war,
international sanctions and the blast in Beirut, a key regional import route. Protests will
increase as economic hardship bites, but the regime of the president, Bashar al-Assad,
has the resources and the political clout to stay secure. A pro-forma presidential
election will take place in April or May.

Zimbabwe