The World Factbook. Columbia Encyclopedia World Factbook American Heritage Coll. The World Factbook. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has achieved a relatively high standard of living.
Land ownership is widespread.
Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put into place. Curbing inflation, reducing the deficit, and improving public sector efficiency remain key challenges to the government. Political resistance to privatization has stalled liberalization efforts.