infreguent. The country has two main airports, one at Malabo which can receive international flights, and another at Bata for small jet aircraft. A smallnational airlines operates infreguently between Bata and !'lalabo. At present, ttre two cities are linked with the assistance of Air Cameroon. Negotiations have been completed with a French company to put the national airlines back in operation. A 51000-tonne boat operates between Malabo and Bata from time to time to transport passengers and goods between the continental and the insular parts of the country. There are two ports on Bioko: t4alabo and Luba. Both ports need expansion. Theports of Bata and Rio Bonito on the mainland are in urgent need of improvements, especially for the handling of timber exports. 35. A high frequency radio-electric system in 12 districts of Rio ltluni and a connection between Malabo and Bata have been established. A telecommunicationscentre has been established in t{alabo. 5. Education 36. On the eve of independence in L967, Equatorial Guinea's educational system ritas one of the most developed in sub-Saharan Africa and about 90 per cent of the relevant. age group were enrolled in primary schools. During the 1970s, nanyA/ 40/ 430 Eng li sh Page 13 schools were closed, scfrool buildings deteriorated, and most of the teachers left. The present literacy rate is estimated at about 30 per cent. School buildings, although in need of repair, are generally available, but the acute shortage of trained personnel remains ttre major constraint. The Government accords high priority to educating its people and developing their technical skills. In doing so, it hopes to establish a system which reflects both the culture and needs of the country. 6. Health and nater 37. Life expectancy in Equatorial Guinea is estimated at 42 years and infant
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a brief overview of the country's infrastructure, economy, and social sectors. It discusses transportation, communication, education, and health, which are all critical aspects of a country's development. The text also touches on the challenges faced by the country, such as the need for improvements in ports and the shortage of trained personnel in education.

**Category**
Transport and communication, Education, Health