The balance of payments records a country's transactions with other countries. It includes exports and imports of goods and services as well as financial flows like investments and aid. A positive balance of payments means a country is a net lender to the rest of the world while a negative balance means it is a net borrower. Maintaining a balanced or surplus balance of payments is important for macroeconomic stability.

1. http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/96584/Ugan_0604/Ug_0604/Ses8BalanceofPayments
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_payments
http://www.slideshare.net/sonal2lashkari/balance-of-payments
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/balance-of-payments/1/2