Arditi references the World Year Book and CIA et als sources. I would point out the people at Langley are rarely as accurate as some would believe - (Budapest 1956, Cuba 1963, Prague 1968, Afghanistan 1980 or the Berlin Wall 1990) - recent events I will leave to you to judge. As for their statistical summaries, you would be better served buying a copy of "The Economist".

I suppose you are correct. But then, we can debate the validity of any source. If the base is Economics, the list of the World's top ten (Aggregate GDP) should correspond to my first list. The top ten Economies (2002 data)are as follows: 1. USA - 10.1 Trillion 2. China - 5.7 3. Japan - 3.3 4. India - 2.7 5. Germany - 2.2 6. France - 1.55 7. Italy - 1.51 8. UK - 1.48 9. Brazil - 1.3 10. Russia - 1.1 A more compelling measure of course is Per Capita Income - a real measure of productivity and capability. On that basis, we can exclude China ($4,300), India ($2,500), Brazil ($7,400), and Russia ($8,300). The rest remain viable candidates with PCI as follows: 1. USA $36,300 2. Japan $27,200 3. Germany $26,200 4. France $25,400 5. Italy $24,700 6. UK $24,300

Italy above the UK? Can you post a link to your source.

Italy surpassed Britain in GDP in 1987. Since then, they have been fairly close with Britain surpassing Italy in the late 90's but loosing the advantage in 2001. At current growth rates, Spain will surpass Britain within 6-8 years. Yes indeed, the sun has long since set and Britannia no longer rules the waves - or much else.

No I asked for a link not some smart arse comment on the empire.

The only link I have is in my head. In any event, its common knowledge to any student of Economics. As for the comment about the Empire - what Empire?

Well according what I've read recently the UK has a slightly higher GDP than Italy. Surely you can find a link, I'm not a economics student.

RM Nod, worry yourself not, I don't know where Arditi is getting his information from (and this isn't a competition so no need to be so confrontational I feel) but they are rather strange. Current GDP ranking is more like: 1.USA 2.Japan 3.Germany 4.UK 5.France 6.Italy UK and France have changed positions a few times in recent years. Italy hasn't. I'm not going to provide a link, bit if you search I'm sure you'll find one (if you're that interested).

Spain? I have half the head to say your bluffing. 6-8 years my ass, with it's shrinking population. so Spain is growing at what? 30% a year or so? In 2003 they had about $580 billion in GDP and they are goin to over take a $1,425 Billion GDP (2.5 times larger!)? I am surprised a "proffesional" like you cannot provide a link, I'm sure if what you say is true you could provide a book title or a link.

These are the same figures I keep finding, sorry if I seemed a bit confrontational but some of the comments arditi came out with when he first got here make me think he's just got something against the UK, don't ask me why.