Africa is a continent of valuable resources, from large reserves of oil, to minerals such as diamonds and gold; it is also home to an incredible variety of wild animals, plants, and trees. Yet Africa is also a continent with many problems. African countries are among the world's poorest--in fact, 32 of the world's poorest 44 countries are African. The series AFRICA: CONTINENT IN THE BALANCE examines the historical and current situation of selected African countries, providing background information and analysis for students on each country's geography and ecology; history; system of government; economy; people and cultures; and important cities and communities.