n December 1987 the Australian Government
closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened by union workers.
With the support of the government, Australian-based Casinos Austria
International Ltd. built a $34 million casino on Christmas Island,
which opened in 1993. As of yearend 1999, gaming facilities at the
casino were temporarily closed but were expected to reopen in early
2000. Another economic prospect is the possible location of a
space-launching site on the island.

Clipperton Island:
Although 115 species of fish have been identified
in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic
activity is tuna fishing.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are
the sole cash crop. Copra and fresh coconuts are the major export
earners. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food
supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be
imported from Australia.

Colombia:
Colombia is poised for muted growth in the next several
years, marking continued recovery from the severe 1999 recession
when GDP fell by about 4%. President PASTRANA's well-respected
economic team is working to keep the economy on track, maintaining
low interest rates, for example. In accordance with its IMF loan
agreement, the administration also is taking steps to improve the
public sector's fiscal health. However, many challenges to improved
prosperity remain. Unemployment was stuck at a record 20% in 2000,
contributing to the extreme inequality in income distribution. Two
of Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee, face an uncertain
future; new exploration is needed to offset declining oil
production, while coffee harvests and prices are depressed. The lack
of public security is a key concern for investors, making progress
in the government's peace negotiations with insurgent groups an
important driver of economic performance. Colombia is looking for
continued support from the international community to boost economic
and peace prospects.

Comoros:
One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of
three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and
rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low
educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence
level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy
dependence on foreign grants and technical assis