Russian demographics have now improved to the point that if the trends of the first half of 2012 hold for the rest of the year, that is if the birth rate for the whole year increases by around 6.7% and the death rate for the whole year decreases by around 2.9%, then Russia will actually record a small natural increase in population.

FORBES: Russia is on Track to Record Natural Population Growth in 2012

On their own, the PMI surveys for the quarter as a whole are pointing to growth of around 0.5% in the first three months of the year.

BBC: Britain's zig-zag economy

For the year as a whole, Nextel expects the service to add around 650, 000 users, up from 500, 000 in 2003.

FORBES: Nextel Presses 'Push-To-Grow' Button

Officials predict that the consumer-price index will rise by around 4% this year as a whole.

ECONOMIST: Inflation in China: An old worry nags again | The

Turnover in the fire service in London was 5.6% last year, compared with around 15% for the labour market as a whole.

ECONOMIST: Industrial disputes

Youth unemployment across the EU as a whole stands at around 20%, or about 5.5 million 18-25 year olds.

BBC: MEPs raise concerns over youth unemployment