mbodia's demographic imbalance. More
than 50% of the population is less than 21 years old. The population
lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the
poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack
of basic infrastructure.

Cameroon
Because of its modest oil resources and favorable
agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed
primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces
many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries,
such as a top-heavy civil service and a generally unfavorable
climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has
embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur
business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve
trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. In June 2000, the
government completed an IMF-sponsored, three-year structural
adjustment program; however, the IMF is pressing for more reforms,
including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty
reduction programs. International oil and cocoa prices have a
significant impact on the economy.

Canada
As an affluent, high-tech industrial society in the trillion
dollar class, Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented
economic system, pattern of production, and affluent living
standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the
manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the
nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial
and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the
1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes
Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic
integration with the US. Given its great natural resources, skilled
labor force, and modern capital plant, Canada enjoys solid economic
prospects. Top-notch fiscal management has produced consecutive
balanced budgets since 1997, although public debate continues over
how to manage the rising cost of the publicly funded healthcare
system. Exports account for roughly a third of GDP. Canada enjoys a
substantial trade surplus with its principal trading partner, the
US, which absorbs about 85% of Canadian exports. Canada is the US'
largest foreign supplier of energy, including oil, gas, uranium, and
electric power.

Cape Verde
This island economy suffers from a poor natural resour