severe drought, combined with a whole series of other economic constraints, was jeopardizing his country's reconstruction, rehabilitation, recovery and development efforts. The various analyses and stud­ ies carried out by the World Bank and the Interna­ tional Monetary Fund (IMF) provided a useful basis for consideration of the situation in Mauritania. However, he wished to point out that although, according to studies available at the international level, Mauritania had a GOP of $40, there were indications that there would be a marked reduction in GOP in the future owing to a number of new factors. Moreover, the estimates of the size of the Mauritanian population made by the World Bank and the IMF were lower than the official figure for 1985, which implied a reduction of approximately 5 per cent in Mauritania's GOP. It must also be borne in mind that Mauritania had a dual economy and that the standard of living of the majority of the population was considerably lower than that reflected in the per capita GOP. The continuing drought, which was affecting over 80 per cent of the country, had exacerbated migration from the countryside and thus increased urban unemployment. The transport and communications infrastructure remained inade­ quate, despite major investment in recent years. The financing of that infrastructure was a large compo­ nent of Mauritania's foreign debt which, in compara­ tive terms, was now the highest in Africa, if not in the world. Furthermore, Mauritania was the African country most affected by drought. 11. Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland) said that the proc­ lamation by the General Assembly of 1986 as the International Year of Peace was a major challenge and it was appropriate that the Council should devote significant attention in its work to the promo­ tion of the ideas on which the International Year of 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by Mauritania in its reconstruction and development efforts, specifically due to severe drought and economic constraints. It highlights the impact on the country's population, economy, and infrastructure, including transportation and communications. While it touches on international factors, such as foreign debt and IMF studies, the focus remains on the country's internal struggles.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment