The World Bank Group is devoted to improving living standards around the world. The site is huge, so use the search box to get closer to what you're looking for. (
http://www.worldbank.org
)
This is an overview of the gigantic UN site. Recommend using the "Thematic Index" button on the left instead of the alphabetical list. (
http://www.unsystem.org/
)
An organization of mostly European Countries and a few other developed countries that works to promote democracy and market economies. Use the "By Topic" tab to find what you're looking for. (
http://www.oecd.org/home/
)
This is EU site related to business and economic statistics. Click the "EN" button on the homepage to access the English version. To go to the regular EU site, click here (
http://europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/
)
This is an independent, non-profit research group devoted to the economy. The site seems to offer a lot of free, useful information about the macro economy. (
http://www.nber.org/
)
The source for world news on a weekly basis. Covers a great deal more than just the economy. Not cheap, but the web-only version is more affordable than the print copy. Highly recommended for serious scholars of the world. (
http://www.economist.com
)