Hiding in the Shadows: The Growth of the Underground Economy

Friedrich Schneider () and Dominik Enste

No 2002/001, IMF Economic Issues from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: Examines the role of the shadow, or underground, economy. Looks at ways of measuring it, the relationship between the shadow economy and the main stream economy, why it has been growing in size, and its effects on overall economic growth. How can states limit the size of the shadow economy, and does it matter that it exists?

Keywords: EI; shadow economy; shadow economy transaction; economy; work decision; prospering shadow economy; shadow economy labor force; shadow economy activity; Informal economy; Social security contributions; Labor force; Corruption; Eastern Europe; Central and Eastern Europe; Africa; Asia and Pacific; Global (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24
Date: 2002-04-16
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (34)

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