Inflation is a common environment for most economies as prices tend to rise as time passes. Governments and central banks around the world mold policies in an effort to curtail inflation and keep it under control. Another less common phenomenon is deflation, or the general decline in prices (and wages) and inflation rates fall below zero. Still an even more rare event is hyperinflation, an issue that does not ail nations often, but when it does, it leaves behind significant damage. For those unfamiliar with hyperinflation and its impact on a surrounding economy, we outline five surprising facts about the phenomenon [see also Doomsday Special: 7 Hard Asset Investments You Can Hold in Your Hand ]. See the full story here → Related Posts: Beyond TIP: Five Inflation-Protected ETFs Worth a Look What Is Deflation? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide