These Economics W.I.R.E.D. activities recommend web links that relate to key concepts of each chapter of the textbook. For each link, there are instructions to guide you to specific information, followed by several discussion questions or exercises.

Key Concepts: Recent Trends in International Trade, Comparative Advantage, Reasons for Comparative Advantage, Gains from Expanded Markets

Central Intelligence Agency—The World Fact Book

Select specific countries listed under the "Country Listing" link and review their "Economy" information. Integrate global perspectives by selecting varied countries such as Japan, Australia, Unites States, Congo, India, and China.

• Select Caribbean countries such as Aruba and study their "Economy" information (e.g. available resources) on The World Fact Book page. Find and click on Aruba on the map at caribbean-on-line.com and review its map and guides information. Compare and contrast the type of information presented in the referenced websites (World Fact Book vs. Caribbean-on-line). Is there a relationship between available resources and specialization of economic activities? 
• What factors influence the degree of economic specialization for the countries reviewed?
• Explain how opportunity costs and comparative advantages affect their specialization.

U.S. International Trade Commission

Select one of the listed U.S. trading partners and review their direction of trade in terms of exports and imports with US.

• Identify the current top three trading partners (in terms of trade turnover).
• Survey the "Merchandise Trade Balance" information for the first 20 trading partners. Identify which partner(s) have a positive trade balance with the U.S. (Hint: consider U.S. trade balance deficit.) Explain how international trade flow of selected nations is shaped by their comparative advantage.