Why are some countries rich and others poor? Why is the world a much wealthier place today than it was in the past? The opening forum of 2013 will examine the basic facts about economic growth around the world and explore some of the various hypotheses that have been put forward as explanations for the wealth and poverty of nations. Specific topics covered by Economics Professor Phillip Garner will include the determinants of labor productivity, governance, trade, geography, foreign aid and what the economic future may hold.

Thursday Forum lectures are open to all adults. For more information, call 399-8619.

http://www.coe.edu/news/343/716/January-s-Thursday-Forum-explores-wealth-poverty-of-nations#.UOswr6yPLYg