USAID is helping Afghanistan become a more responsible and integrated member of the region and the world. Great strides have been made in health and education, bringing more Afghans back into economic and civic life.
Institutions that can accountably respond to people’s needs and aspirations are being restored. Investments in infrastructure and human capital are making the country less vulnerable to insurgents and illicit business and more attractive for private-sector enterprise.
Since 1992, the U.S. Government has delivered foreign aid to support Albania’s development, stability and integration into Europe. U.S. aid has helped Albania transition from the most isolated and repressive communist state in Europe to a democracy with a market-oriented economy.
The current program works with the Government of Albania and the private sector on transformational reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and sustain economic growth. Specifically, USAID helps Albania to:
Angola's low level of human development is at odds with its potential for economic prosperity, considering the country's wealth of natural resources. Much of this paradox is explained by the social disruption and physical destruction caused by 27 years of civil war. As sub-Saharan Africa's second largest oil producer and with its tremendous agricultural potential, Angola could become a powerhouse for regional trade and investment. In Angola USAID focuses on strengthening good governance, increasing economic opportunity and improving the delivery of social services.
Since 1992, USAID has provided a broad range of development programs in Armenia, shifting from an initial humanitarian emphasis to assistance for economic, political and social transition.
USAID has an impressive record of achievement in Armenia in areas as diverse as humanitarian relief, legal reform, small business promotion, and energy and water regulation. Presently, the program is working to:
Political, economic, and health reforms mutually reinforce the strategic goals of the U.S. and Azerbaijan Governments.
USAID programs in democracy and governance target efforts to increase institutional transparency in the Parliament and enhance its capacity to address civil society concerns. The programs also seek to advance the rule of law and provide legal advice for citizens opposed to corruption.
Bangladesh, a key ally of the United States, is one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in the world, with a population of 156 million. American assistance to this moderate Muslim-majority nation includes support for free, fair and credible elections and more transparent and accountable governance; support for a better educated, healthier and more productive population; and resources to increase economic opportunities through equitable economic growth, improved food security and disaster mitigation and preparedness.
USAID's Eastern Caribbean program supports economic growth and health development activities in Barbados and six eastern Caribbean states--St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.
USAID seeks to promote the emergence of a democratic and market-oriented Belarus that respects human rights. The Agency works to stimulate the country’s transition to a market-based economy through programs that support citizen engagement in public affairs, and that increase growth of private enterprises and access to social services.
In Benin USAID is focused on the objective of investing in people, expanding the use of family health services and preventive measures, ensuring that a quality basic education is more widely available, and assisting vulnerable and at risk populations.
USAID in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) contributes to U.S. Government objectives in the country by helping BiH progress toward a harmonized economy, effective and transparent government institutions with a strong civil society, and a multi-ethnic, tolerant society.
Democratic values and economic policies aimed at open markets and private-sector development have been the cornerstones of a strong partnership between the United States and Brazil. For more than 50 years, USAID has supported Brazil's efforts to promote sustainable development. Now, we partner with the Brazilian Government to promote sustainable development in third countries.
In light of the transition underway in Burma, USAID sees a need and an opportunity to engage directly with Burmese organizations and institutions to support political reforms, foster ethnic reconciliation and strengthen the capacity of reform-minded individuals and institutions.
As part of this renewed engagement, USAID is re-establishing an in-country mission, allowing us to partner more robustly with the Burmese people to address critical needs. This engagement will build on the already strong U.S. commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of the people in Burma.
In 2010, Burundi completed its second round of national elections following the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords that provided a negotiated settlement to the nation’s long-standing civil war. Domestic and international observers judged the elections to be free and fair, but the challenge of democratic consolidation remains critical—as does the need to demonstrate peace dividends to a population that is poorer today than when the conflict began in 1993.
Cambodia is transforming in remarkable ways. The country is at peace after decades of conflict, and a majority of Cambodians are optimistic about the future. However, important challenges remain. Parliamentary elections in 2008 were freer than any held in Cambodia. Yet political power remains unevenly spread, and opposition parties are disorganized, divided and subject to manipulation.
USAID's Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), in Bangkok, supports programs in China across several sectors.
USAID is helping China promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is working with China to improve environmental law and environmental governance. Activities also will strengthen environmental due diligence among national agencies and the private sector and reduce China's environmental footprint.
Colombia is a middle-income country and one of the oldest democracies in Latin America. However, it has endured nearly half a century of intense armed conflict, perpetuated by widespread illegal drug production and trafficking.
“Cuba's future must be freely determined by the Cuban people. Sadly, that has not been the case for decades, and it is not the case today. The people of Cuba deserve the same rights, freedoms and opportunities as anyone else. And so the United States is going to continue supporting the basic rights of the Cuban people.” --President Barack Obama, December 19, 2011
U.S. foreign assistance in Cyprus supports activities that promote peace and cooperation between the island's physically separated Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities. Its focus is on creating conditions conducive to resolution of the long-standing Cyprus conflict, encouraging a durable peace settlement, and addressing the disparities that complicate relations between the two communities.
In November 2011, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) voted in their second national election since independence. While these elections are critically important in DRC, the country—with a population of over 71 million—faces multiple challenges. Due to the persistent presence of armed groups, ongoing insecurity continues to destabilize eastern DRC. Other challenges include rampant corruption, inadequate infrastructure and human resources, and a limited capacity to raise and manage revenues.
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