LIBYA

GDP (2003 est.): $35 billion. Per capita GDP (2003 est.): $6,400. Budget: Income .............. $3.6 Billion Expenditure ... $5.1 Billion Main Crops: wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus, vegetables, peanuts; beef, eggs Natural Resources: petroleum, natural gas, gypsum Major Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

NATIONAL GNP

The government dominates LibyaÕs socialist-oriented economy through complete control of the countryÕs oil resources, which account for approximately 95% of export earnings, 75% of government receipts, and 30% of the gross domestic product. Oil revenues constitute the principal source of foreign exchange. Much of the countryÕs income has been lost to waste, corruption, conventional armaments purchases, and attempts to develop weapons of mass destruction, as well as to large donations made to developing countries in attempts to increase QadhafiÕs influence in Africa and elsewhere. Although oil revenues and a small population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, the governmentÕs mismanagement of the economy has led to high inflation and increased import prices, resulting in a decline in the standard of living. Despite efforts to diversify the economy and encourage private sector participation, extensive controls of prices, credit, trade, and foreign exchange constrain growth. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have caused periodic shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. Although agriculture is the second-largest sector in the economy, Libya imports most foods. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit output, while higher incomes and a growing population have caused food consumption to rise. Domestic food production meets about 25% of demand. On September 20, 2004, President George W. Bush signed an Executive Order ending economic sanctions imposed under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). U.S. persons are no longer prohibited from working in Libya, and many American companies are actively seeking investment opportunities in Libya. The government has announced ambitious plans to increase foreign investment in the oil and gas sectors to significantly boost production capacity. The government is also pursuing a number of infrastructure projects such as highways, railways, telecommunications backbones, and irrigation