Topic: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

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The 5 most educated countries in the world

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently released its Education at a Glance 2012 report. Here are the five most educated countries in the world.
For these four nations, 2012 is worse than the Great Recession

The Great Recession of 2008/09 delivered the worst blow to the global economy since the 1930s. But in a few nations, 2012 is turning out to be worse than 2009 in terms of economic growth. Europe's debt crisis, the general slowing of the world economy, and domestic political troubles have played a role in undercutting 2012 growth for one or more of these four nations. Can you guess who they are?
Briefing
Mexico's high-stakes presidential vote: 4 questions answered

The next Mexican president will inherit a country torn by drug violence. Tackling deep-seated democratic and economic challenges is key to progress.
US tax time: A later deadline and other tax facts

Thanks to a holiday in Washington, D.C., the federal tax-filing deadline this year is April 17, two days later than usual. The extra time provides an opportunity to peruse some random tax-related facts.
Eight ingredients for a peaceful society

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'Obamacare' tackles health care costs. Will Congress?

The president's health care reform plan includes tools to restrain rising health-care costs, but they may not survive future political battles.
Europe's 5 most generous pension systems

The strikes roiling France right now are about government plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62 and the pension age, which determines when people can begin accessing their pension funds, from 65 to 67. The French government says it can no longer afford the earlier retirement and pension ages. France is not the only country facing a budget crunch partially because of its generous pension system, coupled with an aging population and a struggling economy. Across Europe, home to many of the world's most generous national pension systems, countries are struggling to afford this staple of the welfare state. Here are five examples.
As hopes for China miners fade, Chile mine rescue comparison lingers

Rescuers are stepping up frantic efforts to save 11 China miners still believed to be trapped by a deadly gas blast on Saturday.
Chile mine rescue a PR coup for Chile – and President Piñera

President Sebastian Piñera's government milked the Chile mine rescue as an opportunity to bolster the country's reputation as a safe place for investment.
Global doors slam shut on immigrants

While Arizona's anti-immigrant law gets all the attention, countries around the world are pursuing tough immigration polices on a scale rarely seen in history.
Top 12 terrible signs that the recession isn't actually over

NBER recently announced that the recession ended in June, 2009. Here are 12 counter-arguments.
Vatican bank probed by Italian police investigating money-laundering

Vatican bank: The Vatican said it was "perplexed and surprised" by the investigation.
Straw man argument about inequality

Yes, America has high income inequality. But be careful about reading cause-and-effect into that.
New world university ranking puts Harvard back on top

Harvard snagged the No. 1 spot in a new world university ranking that puts the United States at the head of the pack in higher education excellence.
L'Oréal trial: heiress Bettencourt's tax shelters, gifts alienate belt-tightening French

The trial of a photographer charged with trying to defraud L'Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt started today, but was suspended to examine secretly made tapes in which Bettencourt discussed tax shelters with an adviser. Disaffection with elite privileges is rising in France.
Opinion: Obama and Medvedev: Does Russia have the courage to change?

To become a truly prosperous and democratic nation, Russia must be willing to abandon cultural obstacles to progress. Based on a meeting I had with Russia's president last month, Moscow may not be ready to do that.
Beyond the Gaza blockade: What drives Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu?

Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza blockade flotilla crisis has further isolated Israel in the world and strained relations with Washington. Can a tough nationalist emerge as a statesman?
US college degrees: Still the best among world's top universities?

A US college degree has been the gold standard. But global economics and a crisis of confidence may be pushing the US down in rankings among top universities.
Political coup? Israel welcomed into OECD despite criticism over Gaza, settlements.

At an official OECD welcome of Israel in Paris today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touted the economic benefits of membership. Palestinians say the OECD has effectively legitimized Israel's occupation.
Amazon dams hold promise of clean energy for Brazil

Opponents say the environmental and social costs of flooding parts of the Amazon outweigh the energy benefits, but the $10 billion Belo Monte project and other Amazon dams hold the promise of clean energy.
Conservatives say it's decision time for UK's Liberal Democrats

Conservative leader David Cameron urged the third-party Liberal Democrats to make a deal quickly as negotiations over forming a coalition government intensified Tuesday.
Mother's Day: Why Australia is the second-best place to be a mom

A Save the Children report timed for Mother's Day names Australia as the second-best place to be a mom. Norway won the top honor.
Roubini: Greece debt crisis is only the tip of the iceberg

The Greece debt crisis should be a warning. History shows that unless this buildup of sovereign debt is tackled eventually by raising taxes and controlling spending, then there are only two outcomes: default or high inflation.
Greek financial crisis now considered contagion 'like ebola'

No longer a mere threat, the Greek financial crisis has spread to the eurozone and has raised concern over contagion.
Big-business Brazil taps into its young entrepreneurs

Brazil, a country familiar with big business is now nurturing a growing network of small business incubators, tapping universities for young entrepreneurs with a start-up spirit.
British government is bigger than its private sector
Rich nations' secret: Work harder. Work smarter. Or both.

Here's the OECD's inside look at why some nations have higher living standards and productivity.
The Fed's Janet Yellen: Who is she?

Janet Yellen, said to be President Obama's choice to serve under Ben Bernanke at the US Federal Reserve, is known for supporting employment and growth over inflation-cutting measures.
Google’s public data: Much improved

Google has recently improved its presentation of public data.
Will Millennials leave US to avoid becoming the 'chump' generation?

If Millennials realize they're going to have to pay the fiscal price for baby boomers' sins, they might choose to leave the US for more financially friendly locations.