Morocco Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Morocco Analysis - Research Paper Example Although the entire period between 1980 and 2000 is marked by periodic high and low swings, and a number of years of negative growth, the new millennium have brought in a positive outlook on its growth pattern. Figure 1 captures Morocco's violent growth waves in a succinct manner. The year 1992 is a significant one in Morocco's demographic profile, as during that year half of its population lived in the countryside while the other half preferred the urban cities. However, what was predominantly a rural economy, three decades ago, has become an urban economy in recent years with 60:40 ratios in favor of cities. As can be observed from Figure 2, the rate of growth of migration from villages towards the cities has remained on an even path. This indicates a potential transition from the focus of primary agricultural production to industrial and service sector, in the coming years. In addition, as can be observed from Figure 3, net migration to other countries is also on the rise, from a little over 80000 persons in 1980 to over 330000 persons in 2004. Although the workers' remittances receipts remained more or less stable till the end of the previous decade, it exhibits a significant improvement during the first half of the new millennium, touching a net inflow o f over US$ 4 billion during 2004. Morocco's population profile, as can be seen in Table 1, presents a sound improvement with a considerable decline in its birth, death, fertility and infant mortality rates, and a significant progress in its life expectancy and literacy rates. Table 1: Trend in Morocco's Population Profile 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2004 Birth rate (per 1,000 people) 37.9 33.7 29.0 25.4 23.6 22.8 Death rate (per 1,000 people) 11.7 9.6 7.8 6.6 6.0 5.7 Fertility rate (births per woman) 5.6 4.8 4.0 3.3 2.6 2.5 Infant Mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) 99.0 83.0 69.0 56.0 45.0 38.2 Life expectancy at birth (years) 57.9 61.2 64.3 66.9 68.8 70.1 Literacy rate (% of people 15 & above) NA NA 38.7 NA NA 52.3 Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank, Washington DC, 2006. Employment: Figure 4: Trend in Morocco's unemployment as a percentage of total labor force: The highest level of unemployment of about 23 per cent in 1995 remained a cause of concern for Morocco. Although unemployment as a percentage of the total labor force peaked once again during 1998, it has significantly declined since then reaching an all time low unemployment rate of around 11 percent during 2004. Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank, Washington DC, 2006. Together with the growing number of migrants towards the developed countries, there is a general optimism that the fast growing domestic manufacturing sector will absorb a significant number of unemployed persons, and consequently unemployment can be brought down to a manageable level in the near future. Performance of Major Sectors: Traditionally, agriculture played the central role in Moroccan economy, with a sustained growth and export performance of vegetables, citrus fruits, olives, wheat, barley,

ENDOSCOPES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ENDOSCOPES - Essay Example In operative endoscopes, an additional channel to allow entry of medical instruments to biopsy or to facilitate tissue and other operations (Wikipedia, 2006). The endoscope also provides visual examination of the interior of the body through a natural body opening such as the throat or rectum. Since the endoscope can be inserted through a very small opening, it is a less invasive method than other surgical techniques, causing less scarring and a quicker recovery time. A camera or video recorder is often used during an endoscopic procedure to provide permanent records of internal organs, which may be used for later reference (rosemont.com., N.D). Endoscopic surgery has been used for decades in a number of different procedures, including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. However, in recent years endoscopic instruments are also used for plastic surgery. As important research continues, endoscopy is being used on a limited basis for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures (ASPS, 2006). There are two main uses of endoscopy - diagnostic and therapeutic. In case of a suspected tumour or other disorder in the stomach, bladder, lungs or other organs endoscopy can be used for examination. In addition to studying the organ, the physician is able to take a biopsy sample (a small piece of suspicious tissue) for testing. In earlier days biopsy required major surgery. Endoscopy is valuable in the removal of polyps (small growths), treatment of knee joint and other joint disorders, and inspection as well as treatment of the bronchi, colon, female reproductive organs and gastrointestinal tract (rosemont.com., N.D). All surgery carries risks and every incision leaves a scar. However, with endoscopic surgery, the scars are likely to be hidden, much smaller and some of the after effects of surgery may be minimized. As the incisions are shorter with endoscopy, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Also, bleeding, bruising and