ABSTRACT
Mining is still the basic industry and represents approximately 98 per cent, of her exports. Tin represents the largest part of mineral exports, some 80 per cent, of the total, and is thus the principal factor in the economy of the country, which means that it also has a great influence in Government policy. The President of the Republic and his Ministers of State are the governing body ; departmental governments are in charge of prefects ; the provinces are ruled by sub-prefects, and the cantons by magistrates. The progress of the cities and towns, as well as the well-being of their inhabitants, is governed by mayors, the heads of the municipal councils. The taxation system is characterised by its extreme complexity, brought about by the constant necessity of creating new sources of income. In addition to the usual government departments and offices, there are several important nationally organised industries and boards.
