How A Big Mac Can Hide Inflation

Argentina may be facing some serious financial problems. One is an inflation rate as high as 25 percent, but the Argentine government claims the number’s much lower, under 10 percent. And it’s enlisted the world’s most famous hamburger to help make its case.

Purchasing Power and the Big Mac Index

Economists study something called purchasing power parity. Basically, how far will a dollar go in Argentina, Italy, or the US? They gauge this by looking at a comparable basket of goods and services across nations.

No more Big Macs

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In the Geo Quiz we’re looking for an island nation where all three McDonald’s restaurants will close at the end of the month. And besides being destined to be Big Mac free by Sunday, it’s also famous for its glaciers and fjords, and, well, ice. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Guardian story