As shown in the first chart below, there are only a couple of times when housing contributes 1-2 percentage points to growth, the most notable being the post-war period of rapid household formation by returning war veterans.

FORBES: Connect

The dramatic migration pattern can be chalked up to the rapid development of an oil- and gas-rich shale formation in the western part of the state.

FORBES: North Dakota Leads List Of America's Fastest-Growing States

Well the results of the first half of 2012 are now available from Rosstat and, at first glance, they would appear to be ground for significant optimism: GDP grew at a 4.9% rate, fixed capital formation grew at 4.7%, and retail turnover galloped ahead at a rapid 6.9% annual rate.

FORBES: Russia's Economy in 2012: A Strong Start and an Uncertain Future

The formation of such paramilitary groups was stepped up across Indonesia late last year, ostensibly to stem the rapid spread of violence and rioting.

ECONOMIST: East Timor