Small nations

People of every nation try to achieve as high level of living as possible. They also seek economic security to make their level of living constant. But nations vary in area and population, so security can only be relative. Nations with large territories but which are not too large in population, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, may have a relatively high degree of economic security because they are supplied with proper amounts of natural resources, manufacturing companies, trade facilities and efficient means of communication.

In contrast, some nations are small in area and large in population. They can ensure economic security only if they cooperate effectively with other people. For example, Belgium is a small country of about 31,000 square kilometers and with a population of about 10 million. The Belgians can maintain a relatively high level of living but they should produce at home as large quantities of foodstuffs and other necessities as possible. They have to buy raw materials and sell their products in the world market. The obtained profits are used to import additional foodstuffs and other necessities of life that the Belgians must use to maintain their level of living.

Thus, the Belgians have to turn to world market for three reasons: 1) they have to buy raw materials; 2) they must sell the manufactured goods;3) they have to buy additional quantities of the necessities of life. The Belgians greatly depend on world markets, so they should welcome any international action that can ensure the stability of prices in world markets.

Notes

to seek - стремиться obtained - полученный

relative - относительно to turn to - выходить на

to maintain - поддерживать to welcome - приветствовать