ABSTRACT
Consumption is important in a consumer-oriented economy because consumption generates demand, and demand in turn governs supply. Few consumption statistics are published, although they are collected regularly by market research organizations for their own confidential use. The UN data that are available relate to what is called apparent consumption, which is based on a simple formula: production minus exports plus imports. Currencies are no longer backed by gold, but remains in various other forms the most important remains in various other forms the most important precious metal for investors. The consumption of alcoholic liquors is one of the oldest social traditions in the world. Interestingly, it is as prevalent in primitive as in civilized societies. The consumption of meat is critical in any nutritional system because it is an incomparable source of protein. The consumption of meat is critical in any nutritional system because it is an incomparable source of prosystem because it is an incomparable source of protein.
