Constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom is under threat by the fundamentalists. The GIA has publicly declared Christians, Jews, and polytheists to be targets. The Shari'a-based 1984 family code, other laws, and many traditional practices discriminate against women. Trade union rights are protected, and nearly two-thirds of the labor force is unionized. An FIS-allied union has been banned, but strikes and other union activity are legal.
Extractive industries produce few local jobs, however, and unemployment remains a serious problem.
Privatization plans have been expanded, but the largest state-owned enterprises are not yet on offer.