Mauritania’s economy rests on deposits of iron ore and rich coastal waters that are under threat from over-fishing by foreigners. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, but Mauritanian life expectancy is significantly higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa. Although many children do not complete primary school, girls are as likely to achieve this milestone as boys. Mauritania returned to democratic governance in 2009 after a military coup the previous year. Longstanding ethnic tensions and the presence of extremist groups pose security challenges.
Working with Mexican public- and private-sector institutions, USAID supports the country's initiatives to improve citizen security and well-being. USAID programs support Mexican leadership in specific technical areas that are high priorities for both the U.S. and Mexican Governments, including:
In support of Moldova’s democratic and free-market reforms, USAID projects work to strengthen economic growth and democratic governance.
USAID is partnering with the public and private sectors in Moldova to achieve broad-based economic growth, reduce poverty and strengthen the market economy. By working with clusters of industries, including micro-enterprises in high-value agriculture, USAID is helping increase the private sector’s competitiveness in regional markets. USAID also supports regulatory and legal reforms to improve the business environment.
Landlocked between two powerful neighbors, China and Russia, Mongolia has achieved a remarkable transition from a Soviet planned economy to an open, democratic market economy over the last two decades. Sparsely populated—2.8 million people in a vast territory of 1.5 million km2—and richly endowed with large deposits of copper, gold and coking coal, Mongolia is making its contribution to stability in a rapidly changing part of the world.
Mongolia is at a critical turning point today. The country is making a concerted effort not to follow in the path of some other resource-rich countries where corruption and a lack of transparency threaten political and economic stability. Extremely harsh climate, small domestic market, landlocked status and poor infrastructure present real development challenges.
Current USAID activities in Mongolia focus on two mutually re-enforcing priorities: sustainable, private sector-led economic growth; and more effective and accountable governance. In addition to these core activities, USAID aims to promote broad-scale human progress in Mongolia through fostering an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities, improving responsiveness and inclusiveness of local and national governments through consensus building, supporting the Government of Mongolia in its chairmanship of Communities of Democracies, building cooperatives and conserving biodiversity.
Morocco is one of America's oldest friends in the Middle East and North Africa and is recognized today as a major non-NATO ally. Since 1957, the U.S. Government and the Government of Morocco have worked together to make real and substantial improvements in the lives of Moroccan citizens.
Following a long civil war, Mozambique has made the transition to peace, stability and sustained economic growth, providing an essential link between landlocked neighbors and the global marketplace.
Its ties to South Africa’s industrial heartland underscore the fact that the country’s economic, political and social progress is vital to the interests of the region. However, the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, as well as high infant mortality, have resulted in the distressingly low life expectancy of just 42 years.
Landlocked between India and China, Nepal is located in a rapidly changing part of the world. The country’s mountainous Himalayan terrain presents unique development challenges as well as opportunities. One of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal is a focus of U.S. development efforts in Asia, and the United States stands alongside the people of Nepal in creating a better future for all citizens.
Niger is consistently ranked at or near the bottom of the UN Human Development Index. Although the country has various mineral resources, including uranium, oil and gold, a weak legal system and poor infrastructure restricts productivity in this area. Niger has suffered years of political instability, but the current president is democratically elected and is working with the international community to promote economic growth and development. Niger has a very high fertility rate, averaging more than seven births per woman in 2010, high child mortality, and low rates of formal education.
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 160 million. In 2011, the country’s economy grew at a rate of 8.4 percent, largely fueled by oil revenues. Nigeria is the sixth largest exporter of oil in the world. However, amidst the indicators of progress, Nigeria is still troubled by myriad socioeconomic problems.
The opening of USAID's Pacific Office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in October 2011 reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to enhance aid, investment and engagement with Pacific Island countries. The Pacific Islands are key to a variety of local and global challenges, including climate change, infectious disease, and natural disasters. The region is home to about 8.5 million people, major fisheries, coral reefs, and important tropical forests, and is vital to U.S. security and regional interests.
The primary focus of the U.S. civilian-assistance program is to develop a stable, secure and tolerant Pakistan with a vibrant economy.
Working with other U.S. agencies, as well as donors and international development partners, USAID has focused its program over the last year on five areas essential to Pakistan’s stability and long-term development and reflective of Pakistani priorities: energy, economic growth, stabilization, education and health.
USAID programs in Panama promote economic growth, sustainable forestry, citizen security, active civil society, and opportunities for Panama’s at-risk youth, including:
To address the priorities of the Government of Paraguay, our programs focus on reducing poverty, structuring an inclusive financial system, creating jobs, and strengthening family farms. The aim of the Millennium Challenge Corporation's Threshold Program, administered by USAID, is to support the government's efforts in the fight against corruption, and to strengthen the rule of law, customs, and the health and justice sectors. Other priorities are protecting the rights of people with disabilities, gender equality and development of small agricultural producers.
Peru and the United States share a long history of development cooperation that spans over five decades, during which Peru has made tremendous progress. Notable achievements include reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, more accountable and effective government institutions, and sustained economic growth.
The Philippines has historic ties with the United States and is an important development, trade and regional security partner. The U.S. Government, through USAID, has made broad-based inclusive growth a main focal point. By addressing this key development constraint, the Philippines will have the potential to enjoy the same level of economic success as its neighbors. Additionally, specific aspects of this goal will help to improve the lives of a majority of the population which live on $2 a day or less.
Rwanda is a small, landlocked country with a population density that is among the highest in Africa. Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries but much has changed since the 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 people.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in developing national and local government institutions, maintaining security, promoting reconciliation and strengthening the justice system.
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