6. Sharp and/or Severe Economic Decline

• A pattern of progressive economic decline of the society as a whole as measured by per capita income, GNP, debt, child mortality rates, poverty levels, business failures, and other economic measures
• Sudden drop in commodity prices, trade revenue, foreign investment or debt payments
• Collapse or devaluation of the national currency
• Extreme social hardship imposed by economic austerity programs
• Growth of hidden economies, including the drug trade, smuggling, and capital flight
• Increase in levels of corruption and illicit transactions among the general populace
• Failure of the state to pay salaries of government employees and armed forces or to meet other financial obligations to its citizens, such as pension payments