situation of l,lozambigue. Although relatively richly endowed, the country confronts severe obstacles in its efforts to promote economic and social development: a colonial heritage of an economic structure geared to service other countries and a consequent neglect of domestic production for domestic consumption, a geo-political situation which has required both sacrifices as weII as the major expenditure of scarce resources in a continuing effort to achieve peace and security for itsinhabitantsl and a continuing series of natural disasters - droughts, floods and cyclones - which set back what little progress has been achieved. 203. There has been no improvement in these fundamental constraints during theperiod under review. If anything, the internal security situation appears to have deteriorated. On 23 March 1985, the Council of Ministers issued a press communigu6 announcing measures aimed at improving the overall situation which include specific measures to reinforce national defence and the introduction of a policy of maximum austerity' specifically in respect of fuel consumption and policies to ensure improvement of economic and financial management. 204. t4ozambigue has continued to suffer from natural disasters. The 1982/83 drought was one of the worst in recent history, severely affecting more than one-and-a-ha1f million people, approximately ll per cent of the total population. Basic weaknesses in the internal transportation infrastructure as well as internal instability complicated the distribution of assistance made available. During thefirst two months of 1985, precipitation has been fair to good throughout most of the country I however, the pattern of these rains rras somet^rhat irregular. Heavy downpours brought floods in the central and southern zones of the country, but shor.tld in general improve soil fertility. Summer crops were lost in the affectedA/ 40 / 441 Eng Ii sh Page 70 areas but winter crops should be good. On 26 March 1985, cyclonic winds with
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by Mozambique in achieving economic and social development, including a colonial legacy, natural disasters, and internal security issues. It also mentions measures taken by the government to address these challenges. Given the focus on the country's economic and social development, it is likely that the text is related to the economic and social aspects of the country.

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