The Government of [[Zimbabwe]]'s chaotic land reform program, recurrent interference with the judiciary, and maintenance of unrealistic [[price control]]s and [[exchange rate]]s have led to a sharp drop in investor confidence. Since 1999, the national economy has contracted by as much as 35%; [[inflation]] vaulted to [[hyperinflation]] of over 7,634.8% (year on year) in July 2007; and there have been persistent [[shortage]]s of [[foreign exchange]], [[fuel]], and [[food]]. Direct foreign investment has all but evaporated. In a desperate attempt to control inflation, the government forced firms and [[supermarket]]s to reduce prices by half in July 2007, which resulted in severe shortages of basic [[goods]] and other [[commodities]]. | The Government of [[Zimbabwe]]'s chaotic land reform program, recurrent interference with the judiciary, and maintenance of unrealistic [[price control]]s and [[exchange rate]]s have led to a sharp drop in investor confidence. Since 1999, the national economy has contracted by as much as 35%; [[inflation]] vaulted to [[hyperinflation]] of over 7,634.8% (year on year) in July 2007; and there have been persistent [[shortage]]s of [[foreign exchange]], [[fuel]], and [[food]]. Direct foreign investment has all but evaporated. In a desperate attempt to control inflation, the government forced firms and [[supermarket]]s to reduce prices by half in July 2007, which resulted in severe shortages of basic [[goods]] and other [[commodities]]. |