Last year GDP contracted by almost 6% and this year it may shrink by 2% (though next year's budget cheerily assumes growth of 1.5%).

ECONOMIST: More stumbles on the path to the European Union

If he pursues it, hopes of a more open Algeria may shrink, making it that much harder for the place to emerge from its gloom.

ECONOMIST: A general election has made almost nobody any happier

China may continue to decelerate, so instead of her demand for our logs stabilizing, it may well continue to shrink.

FORBES: Forecast for the Wood Products Industry, 2013

That has led to concerns that the number of Singaporeans may shrink in the coming years, and the government warned that it does not expect the situation to improve in the near future.

BBC: Singapore projects 30% growth in population by 2030