my. GDP growth fell to zero
in 1999 and to -12.1% in 2000. The May 2000 Ethiopian offensive into
northern Eritrea caused some $600 million in property damage and
loss, including losses of $225 million in livestock and 55,000
homes. The attack prevented planting of crops in Eritrea's most
productive region, causing food production to drop by 62%. Even
during the war, Eritrea developed its transportation infrastructure,
asphalting new roads, improving its ports, and repairing war damaged
roads and bridges. Since the war ended, the government has
maintained a firm grip on the economy, expanding the use of the
military and party-owned businesses to complete Eritrea's
development agenda. Erratic rainfall and the delayed demobilization
of agriculturalists from the military kept cereal production well
below normal, holding down growth in 2002-04. Eritrea's economic
future depends upon its ability to master social problems such as
illiteracy, unemployment, and low skills, and to open its economy to
private enterprise so the diaspora's money and expertise can foster
economic growth.

Estonia
Estonia, as a new member of the World Trade Organization and
the European Union, has transitioned effectively to a modern market
economy with strong ties to the West, including the pegging of its
currency to the euro. The economy benefits from strong electronics
and telecommunications sectors and is greatly influenced by
developments in Finland, Sweden, and Germany, three major trading
partners. The current account deficit remains high; however, the
state budget enjoyed a surplus of $130 million in 2003.

Ethiopia
Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on
agriculture, accounting for half of GDP, 60% of exports, and 80% of
total employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent
drought and poor cultivation practices. Coffee is critical to the
Ethiopian economy with exports of some $156 million in 2002, but
historically low prices have seen many farmers switching to qat to
supplement income. The war with Eritrea in 1998-2000 and recurrent
drought have buffeted the economy, in particular coffee production.
In November 2001, Ethiopia qualified for debt relief from the Highly
Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Under Ethiopia's land
tenure system, the government owns all land and provides long-term
leases to the tenants; the system continues to hamp