World economic growth for 2006 is projected at 5.1 percent (measured in terms of real GDP), compared to growth rates of 5.3 percent in 2004 and 4.9 percent in 2005. The International Monetary Fund in Washington forecasts world economic growth for 2007 at 4.9 percent; so global expansion is to continue for the fourth consecutive year at a level significantly above the historical trend of 3 percent.