The country is composed of nine inhabited islands. Its surface area is 4.033 km2 but its Economic Exclusive Zone is about 600.000 Km2. The resident population is around 500.000. The population growth ratio is decreasing (2,4%). Emigration is decreasing.
Timelines in the National Planning Processes Plans and programsTimeframe Grand Options of the Plans National Development Plan Growth Poverty Reduction Strategy Education Strategic Plan 2nd National Action Plan for the environment National Plan for Food Security National Poverty Reduction Plan Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2002-2005 2004-2007 2002-2012 2004-2014 2003-2015 1996-2008 2005-2007
PRSP – I Generation and MDGS MDG report was produced in 2004 and constituted an input for the finalization of the PRSP The MDG report was produced following a highly participaory process, which forged the understanding of the challenges. Some of the MDGS goals have been achieved. The country has prepared its Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, which covers all the MDG domains; proposed impact indicators are sufficiently desaggregated; the national strategy is the product of sectoral strategies; and available resources are specified
MAJOR CHALLENGES oOvercome Human Capacity constraints to execute PRSP- I oPRSP targets are partially aligned with MDGS oScale-up plan partially corresponds with needs identified for each sector Implement M&E mechanisms To stimulate economic growth and competitiveness in order to keep focusing on the achievement of MDG The major challenge is to reduce poverty and inequalities Consolidation and improvement of gains attained by the execution of MDG
EXPECTATIONS OF SUPPORT FROM THE UN AND OTHER PARTNERS To align PSRP with MDGS Increasing domestic investment following decreasing remittances and international aid as a consequence of the graduation of the country from a Least Developed Country.