43' The special programme of economic assistance for the centraL African Republicwas launched in response to resolution 35,/gZ adopted by the General assernOfy'Jn5 Decenber 1980. The physical characteristics and the general economic structureof the Central African Republic have been described in irevious relnrts of thesecretary-General (A/36/L83, A/37/L3L, A/38/216 and A/3g/9841. The country island-locked, with a total area of 6231000 sg. km. and a population estimated at2'648,000 as at the end of 19g4. The annuai poputation growth rate is2'5 per cent. over 34 Per cent of the poputalion is urbin. More than g0 per centof the total national territory is arabie randl the country is in generar wertwatered. The econony is mainry agricultural and is characierized uy an inpoiiantsubsistence sector. ltanioc is the main food crop and cattle-raising is aninportant traditionar activity. Food crops also include ground-nuts, maizer ydlrsrsesarne, rice and vegetables. The rnajor eiport items are diamonds, coffee, cotton,tinber and tobacco. Although the countryrs production base is relativelydiversified in conparison with other countries of the region, the expansion ofnational production and of the export sector are hindered by the land-lockedposition of the country and by a severe lack of physical infrastructure. Thecentral African Republic is classified as a reast deveroped country. 44' The central African Repubric suffered from a catastrophic drought that lastetlfron November 1982 to the end of May 1983 and had adverse effects on arl thesectors of the economy. Agricultural proauction of manioc declined significantly.rosses were arso sustained in the curtivation of rice and the catch of fish fronrivers and fish-ponds. outbreaks of rinderpest in neighbouring countries infectedthe countryrs stock of cattre and the Governnent had to organiie an extensivevaccination campaign. rn addition, the dryness of the vegetation and rack ofrainfalL brought about numerous bush fires that destroyed many plantations as wellas extensive areas of high forest. The industriar sector surleiea fron shortagesof electricity and water. Trade and transtrnrt were seriously affected by the - interruption of river navigation. rnfantile diseases increased significantly as a result of the shortage of clean drinking-water. 45' A three-year recovery programme nas instituted in l9g3 covering the period1983-1985. The positive effects of this prograrnme are still awaited although themeaaures adopted within the framework of Lhe-three-year plan have resurted in thestrengthening of some sectors: for example, the relaunching of the textileindustry became effective with the riquidation of the central African Textirerndustry (rcAT) and the establishment in 1983 of the central African Textiles union(ucATEx) with a capital of 1.3 million cFA francs. Annual production capacity isaround 4'4 nillion metres of unbreached fabric for loincloth and 1.4 million metresof niscellaneous articres (crothing fabrics, sbeeting, etc.). B. Economic situation 1. Summary 46. The effects of the drought of 1982-1983, which severely affected production in1983 and 1984, are still being feltl r9g5 wiir be a year of precariousstabilization, with a continued need for external assistance. ,/...A/40/44L English Page 21
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic situation of the Central African Republic, including the effects of a catastrophic drought, agricultural production, and industrial activities. It also touches on the country's infrastructure, population growth, and humanitarian aid. The text does not explicitly discuss natural resources, environment, education, employment, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
Economic development, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Industry, Humanitarian aid and relief