This book covers the contemporary politics and economic development of the four countries of North Africa – Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The first part is devoted to contemporary politics and political systems in each of these countries. It traces their political development since independence with the emphasis on the last ten to fifteen years. The second part concentrates on economic developments in each of the four countries. A separate chapter on each state provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic strategies adopted since independence. They discuss the impact of the planning strategies on the structure of the national economies and the social consequences resulting from these economic policies, notably in the field of employment and income distribution.

First published in 1984.