The majority of the population—an estimated 79
percent—depends on subsistence fishing and agriculture for its
livelihood. Fishing and agriculture together contributed only 14 percent
of GDP in 1996, however. The private
sector of the economy is small, and there are few manufacturing
activities. Industry contributed just 7 percent of GDP in 1996.
Government services are the biggest portion of the services sector,
which contributed a total of 79 percent of GDP in 1996. The country is
heavily reliant on overseas aid for government administration,
education, health, and the development of infrastructure. One of the
government's main priorities is to reduce reliance on foreign aid
through developing a more efficient economy.
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