That sounds impossibly cheap in the West but remains three times higher than India's annual per capita income.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Turning to the economy, the Peoples' Alliance say that per capita income and annual economic growth have risen under their tenure, while unemployment has been reduced from around 14% in 1994 to around 8% in 1999.

BBC: Sri Lanka's parties offer little choice

But registering a business requires a minimum capital equal to nearly five times annual income per capita.

FORBES: This Money Won't Buy Happiness

The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus.

FORBES: United Arab Emirates