economic indicators on Colombia that have been favourably received by international agencies specializing in the subject which have furthermore forecast that Colombia is capable of sustaining economic growth for at least two more years thanks to the policies adopted by Governments past and present. These policies have proved capable of stimulating exports, stemming imports, improving tax revenues and maintaining monetary discipline without neglecting the priorities of the most needy sectors of society: PRINCIPAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS IN 1988 Population 30 800 211 Economically active population 19 668 139 Annual growth rate (percentage) 2.9 Unemployment rate (percentage) 10.22 Gross domestic product (millions of $US) 29 257 Annual growth rate of GDP (percentage) 5.3 Per capita GDP (SUS) 981.7 External trade (millions of $US) Exports 2 295 Imports 1 930 Total trade 4 225 Trade balance 365 Net international reserves 3 445 Total external debt (millions of $US) 15 651 External public debt (percentage) 79.98 External private debt (percentage) 20.02 E/198 6 /4/Add.25 page 19 61. The policies pursued by the National Government under the concept of the social economy and as part of the Plan for the Elimination of Absolute Poverty and for the Generation of Employment mentioned above have given birth to the following programmes which are under way at the present time; human settlements, basic health for all, provision of goods and services, home improvement, basic education for all, generation of employment and rural development. 62. A brief analysis will be made in this chapter of the execution of the programmes laid down in the Plan in so far as they are related to the provisions of article 11 of the Covenant; 1. HOME IMPROVEMENT Subprogramme; Child care This subprogramme allows all-round care to be provided so as to ensure the satisfactory development of children. The care involves 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the economic development and social policies of Colombia, with a specific emphasis on economic indicators, trade, and government programs aimed at improving the lives of citizens. The text also touches on employment, education, and healthcare, which are all interconnected with economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, Employment, Education, Health