A firm hold on the flag

A recovery in the oil price has given some breathing space to an otherwise tight budget as Algeria attempts to roll out infrastructure across the country and tackle unemployment. 

Between stability and reform
Oil and gas exports supply the bulk of government revenue, but the authorities plan to boost domestic trade and the production of local goods to meet the needs of the 80m population. 

Land of the rising son
Even during the downward spiral of oil prices, Libya took an assertive stance towards its international investors and the government is now imposing more restrictions on foreign businesses. 

From pariah to partner
President Abdel Aziz quickly completed the task of winning back Western and African support for his military regime, but beating back Islamist terrorists will not be as easy. 

The king reigns and the rains rule
A well-diversified economy allows for the success in agricultural production to make up for the decline in textile and electronics exports to the European Union. 

Safety first in choppy waters
Skilled management of oil revenues, better prospects in the EU and the continent's best business environment allow Tunisia to float calmly through the rough waters of the global recession.