Where Illegal Activities Give the GDP New Highs

Adding together the goods and services we produce in the GDP, statisticians wonder if they should include illegal economic activities.

Should GDP Include Illegal Drug Deals?

In 1987, Italy decided to include its “off-the-books” economy in its GDP. The result was an 18% boost. Now, further complying with EU accounting regulations, Italy will add illegal drugs, prostitution and black market alcohol and prostitution. Announcing a similar policy,…