The CAR has a history of coups and army mutinies, as well as endemic corruption, and remains one of Africa's least developed nations.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | CAR voters await election outcome

The measures are embodied in the Programme of Action adopted at the Second United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries held in Paris in September 1990.

UN: [21 Jul 2000] DEV/2253 : LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 24 - 28 JULY

Policies and measures to help the progressive integration of poor countries into the world economy are among issues to be discussed by an intergovernmental body laying the groundwork for the Third United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries, to be held next year.

UN: [21 Jul 2000] DEV/2253 : LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 24 - 28 JULY

To respond to the challenges posed by their situation, the United Nations held the first Conference on Least Developed Countries in Paris in 1981.

UN: [21 Jul 2000] DEV/2253 : LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 24 - 28 JULY

Briefing the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Conference, Anna Kajumulo, said country-level preparatory processes had been launched in 46 least developed countries with country visits by members of the United Nations Conference Trade and Development (UNCTAD) secretariat.

UN: [21 Jul 2000] DEV/2253 : LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 24 - 28 JULY