Graph exercise: Argentina is out of work.

• Position: Illustration

One of the key indicators used to measure the health of a country's economy is the percentage of its working force that is unemployed. When people are unemployed, they can't buy the goods and services produced by their fellow citizens. This produces a "ripple effect" throughout the country, as the people whose goods and services are not purchased are themselves deprived of income and so are forced to cut back on their purchases. The result is poverty and pain for a growing number of people. This graph shows the unemployment rate in most Latin American Countries, plus the United States and Canada. Use the data to answer the questions below.

Sources: U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Government of Argentina.

1. "Cry for Argentina" reports that Argentina's population is approximately 37 million people. If that's the case, then about how many Argentines are currently unemployed?

   (a) 5.2 million

   (b) 7.4 million

   (c) 3 million

   (d) 4 million

2. Which of the countries identified in the graph have unemployment rates exactly six percentage points below that of Argentina?--

3. If you multiplied one country's reported unemployment rate by five times, it would equal the unemployment rate of Argentina. Which country?--

4. Mexico is one of several countries where many people experience underemployment, defined as less than full-time work or work that does not meet their economic needs or is less than they are trained for. What would Mexico's underemployed rate be if it were twice the reported unemployment rate in urban areas?--Which other...