"Illegal Sex And Drugs Pay Off For Britain"

"Illegal Sex And Drugs Pay Off For Britain"

This is a misleading headline in a sense, but the article is fascinating nonetheless. Last year Britain overtook France as the world's fifth-largest economy. Here's why:

"The amount that Britains spend on prostitutes and illegal drugs has boosted the country in the rankings. As a result of the new calculations — it is the first year the U.K. has included the figures — Britain's GDP rose to $2.82 trillion in 2014, up from $2.53 trillion the previous year. France currently does not include the economic benefits of sex work and drug dealing in its calculations. If it did, it might have held on to its coveted 5th place standing."