Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Benin), on the west by Togo, on the north by Niger and Burkina Faso (fornerly UPper Volta), and on the east by Nigeria. The population isI. /...A/40/44r English Page 4 estimated at 3.8 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.7 per cent. In 1981, per capita income was estimated at $ZZg. Benin has been classified by the United Nations as a least developed country. B. Economic situation I. General 6. Benin continues to be affected by the international economic crisis, which had forced the Government to take austerity measures and to reduce the current and investment budget for 1985 as compared with that for 1984. 7. Significant developments during the period under review include: (a) In 1984 and 1985, the Government organized sectoral round tables with its development partners to consider the irnplenentation of projects in the tourist' cultural and health sectors, the Ou6nr6 integrated rural developnent project and the issuing of the call for bids for the asphalting of the Dassa-Parakou roadst (b) In December 1984, the Government organized a national seminar on enploynent for the PurPose of defining an enplolment lnlicy for Beninl (c) FolJ.owing the expulsion of aliens frorn lligeria in l{ay 1985, approximately 20Or00O people passed through the territory. This displacement, on a massive scale and concentrated within a few days, caused damage to roads and plantations and had considerable ecological conseguences. Some of these people arrived at the Beninese frontiers without any means of support or their posaessions. Some of them have remained illegalty in Benin, thus presenting the Government with serious food, shelter and logistic problems. In April 1985, the Governnent launched an appeal for emergency aid to international organizationst (d) The Government is at present drawing up an adjustrnent programne with a view to coping with economic difficulties and reviving growth on a perrnanent basist
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic situation of Benin, mentioning the impact of the international economic crisis, austerity measures, and the government's efforts to revive growth. It also touches on humanitarian issues related to the displacement of people from Nigeria and the government's appeal for emergency aid. Additionally, it mentions the country's classification as a least developed country and its estimated population and per capita income.

**Category**
Economic development, Humanitarian aid and relief